Skeleton of Three Musketeers' d'Artagnan may have been found under Dutch church
A skeleton found under a Maastricht church altar may be d'Artagnan, with DNA tests underway and a 1660 coin and musket bullet supporting the link, archaeologists say.
- On Wednesday, local media reported that workers repairing a collapsed floor in a Maastricht church discovered a skeleton potentially belonging to Charles de Batz de Castelmore, the French soldier known as d'Artagnan who inspired The Three Musketeers.
- The legendary musketeer died in 1673 during the Siege of Maastricht, serving King Louis XIV. His final resting place remained a mystery for more than 350 years after he fell in battle, likely from a musket wound.
- Deacon Jos Valke, who helped unearth the remains, is 99% certain of the identity, citing burial beneath the altar—reserved for important figures—alongside a 1660 coin and a musket bullet found at chest level.
145 Articles
145 Articles
Legendary captain who inspired 'The Three Musketeers' may have been found under church altar
D'Artagnan's remains may have been found at St. Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht. DNA testing on a jawbone is underway to confirm if it belongs to the legendary French musketeer.
Remains of French musketeer d'Artagnan may have been found in Dutch church
The skeleton of famed French musketeer Charles de Batz de Castelmore d’Artagnan may have been found in front of a church altar in the Dutch city of Maastricht, church officials and an archaeologist said.
The remains were transferred to an archaeological center and specialists will determine by DNA whether it is the Musketeer's. The discovery in the Netherlands could put an end to a 350-year search.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

































