Original Source
D'Artagnan's Remains Potentially Found in Netherlands
D'Artagnan's Remains Allegedly Found in Maastricht
The skeletal remains of D'Artagnan (Charles de Batz de Castelmore), the legendary musketeer immortalized by French writer Alexandre Dumas in 'The Three Musketeers,' may have been discovered in Maastricht, Netherlands. Dutch regional broadcaster L1 reported the potential discovery. Historical accounts suggest D'Artagnan was killed by a musket shot during King Louis XIV's siege of Maastricht in June 1673. Historians believe Louis XIV had D'Artagnan, who served as captain of his elite Musketeers of the Guard, buried in what was then the village of Wolder, now part of Maastricht. No confirmed remains have been found to date.
Discovery Circumstances and Analysis
The grave was discovered under a church in a rural neighborhood of Maastricht during maintenance work, after the building's floor collapsed. The modern chapel is thought to be the second or third structure built on the historical site, dating back to as early as the 11th century. Deacon Jos Valke, present at the initial excavation, stated, “The location of the tomb indicates that it is an important person: the skeleton was on the spot where the altar used to stand and only royal or other important figures were buried under the altar at the time.” A French coin and a musket bullet were found with the remains. DNA taken from the teeth has been sent to a lab in Munich for comparison with that of a descendant of the de Batz family.
*Source: RT News (2026-03-25)*
