Remains Possibly Belonging to French Musketeer D'Artagnan Found in Netherlands Church
Archaeologists have uncovered skeletal remains that may belong to the 17th-century French soldier D'Artagnan, a historical figure popularized by Alexandre Dumas's novel. The discovery occurred at St. Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht, Netherlands, after floor damage revealed the burial. Artifacts including a French coin from the late 1600s and musket ball fragments were found with the skeleton. DNA from the teeth is being analyzed in Munich for comparison with known descendants. Dutch archaeologist Wim Dijkman, who has researched the site for 28 years, described the find as potentially career-defining.
Key facts
- Skeletal remains possibly of French soldier D'Artagnan discovered in Maastricht church
- Discovery made during church floor repairs in the Netherlands
- Artifacts found include 17th-century French coin and musket ball fragments
- DNA analysis underway in Munich to compare with descendant samples
- Archaeologist Wim Dijkman has researched the site for nearly three decades
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- St. Peter and Paul Church
Locations
- Maastricht
- Netherlands
- Munich
- southern France