DNA Tests May Confirm Real-Life Musketeer’s Remains Found in Dutch Church

Archaeologists in the Netherlands are conducting DNA testing on skeletal remains discovered beneath a church floor that may belong to the real-life inspiration for Alexandre Dumas' famous musketeer character. The remains were found in Maastricht, where the historical d'Artagnan was killed during a 1673 siege.

Skeletal remains discovered beneath a church floor in the Netherlands could belong to the real-life French soldier who inspired one of literature’s most famous characters, according to archaeologists and church officials who announced the finding Wednesday.

The bones were uncovered in February when floor tiles at St Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht began sinking, revealing a burial site directly in front of the altar. The discovery has launched an intensive DNA investigation to determine if these are the long-lost remains of Charles de Batz de Castelmore d’Artagnan.

Archaeologist Wim Dijkman described the significance of the potential discovery to Reuters: “This has truly become a top-level investigation, in which we want to be absolutely certain — or as certain as possible — whether it is the famous musketeer, who was killed here near Maastricht.”

While many know d’Artagnan as the fictional hero of Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 masterpiece “The Three Musketeers,” the character was based on an actual 17th-century military officer. The historical d’Artagnan served under France’s “Sun King” Louis XIV and rose to become captain-lieutenant of the royal musketeers.

His life ended abruptly on June 25, 1673, when enemy fire struck him in the throat during France’s siege of the Dutch city of Maastricht in the Franco-Dutch War. The church where the remains were found sits close to where French forces had established their military camp during the siege.

Researchers are now comparing DNA extracted from the skeleton’s jawbone with genetic material from known descendants of the musketeer’s family line. The church had long been considered a likely burial location for the fallen soldier.

Several pieces of evidence support the theory that these bones belong to the famous musketeer. Investigators found a coin dated to 1660 and fragments of what appears to be a lead musket ball at the burial site.

Church Deacon Jos Valke pointed to historical records indicating d’Artagnan received burial in sacred ground, noting the location’s significance. “Well, under an altar – it couldn’t be much holier than that,” Valke explained.

The deacon acknowledged that while the evidence appears promising, definitive proof remains elusive. “When you add it all up, then, it seems plausible to us. But of course nothing is certain yet,” he stated.

The practical challenges of the era also support the theory that d’Artagnan was buried locally rather than transported back to France. Despite his heroic status, moving his body to Paris during the summer months would have presented significant logistical difficulties in an age before refrigeration.