Ask Onix
Discovery beneath Maastricht church floor
A skeleton unearthed under the floor of St Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht could be the remains of Charles de Batz de Castelmore, better known as Count d'Artagnan, a trusted aide to France's King Louis XIV. The musketeer, immortalized in Alexandre Dumas' novels, died in 1673 during the Siege of Maastricht.
How the remains were found
Deacon Jos Valke, who assisted in the excavation, said the discovery came after broken floor tiles prompted a closer inspection. Workers initially uncovered a wall before brushing away debris to reveal human bones. An archaeologist was called in and found the skeleton beneath the former location of the church's altar table.
Valke described the moment as surreal. "We became quite silent when we found the first bone," he told the BBC. Several clues pointed to the remains belonging to d'Artagnan, including the sacred burial site beneath the altar, a musket ball believed to have caused his death, and a 1660 coin from the bishop who served Louis XIV, known as the "Roi Soleil."
Scientific caution and next steps
While Valke expressed 99% certainty about the identity of the remains, archaeologist Wim Dijkman adopted a more reserved stance. "I'm a scientist, but my expectations are high," he told regional broadcaster Omroep Limburg. Dijkman emphasized the need for DNA analysis to confirm the skeleton's identity.
A bone sample has been sent to Germany for testing, while other remains were transported to Deventer to determine the individual's age, origin, and sex. Dijkman, who has researched d'Artagnan's grave for 28 years, called the discovery a potential career highlight.
Historical context of d'Artagnan's death
D'Artagnan was fatally struck in the throat by a musket ball during Louis XIV's campaign to capture Maastricht. Given the summer heat, French forces buried him locally near their encampment, close to the church in Maastricht's Wolder district.
Though d'Artagnan was a real historical figure, the Three Musketeers were fictional characters inspired by elite royal guards who protected the king and participated in military operations.
What happens next
Results from the DNA analysis and bone assessments are expected in the coming weeks. If confirmed, the discovery could solve a centuries-old mystery surrounding the final resting place of one of France's most legendary figures.
