Remains of Legendary Musketeer D’Artagnan Potentially Found in Dutch Church
French author Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers is one of the most famous novels of all time, inspiring numerous film and television adaptations. However, many may not realize that the Musketeers were based on actual historical figures. Now, it appears the remains of D’Artagnan, the novel’s protagonist, may have been discovered under the floor of a Dutch church.
As The BBC reports, Jos Valke, deacon at St Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht, unearthed a skeleton and believes it belongs to Charles de Batz de Castelmore, known as Count d’Artagnan, a close aide to France’s King Louis XIV. D’Artagnan was killed during the Siege of Maastricht in 1673 and later immortalized in Dumas’ adventure stories.
Long-Rumored Burial Site
The remains have long been rumored to be buried in the church, but no evidence had been found until now. Deacon Valke explained that the discovery occurred after a few floor tiles were broken, prompting a closer look. An archaeologist was then called in, discovering the skeleton beneath where the altar table had stood 200 years ago.
“We became quite silent when we found the first bone,” Valke said, adding that several indicators suggest the skeleton belonged to the Sun King’s right-hand man. “He was buried on sacred ground below where the altar was; we found the bullet that put an conclude to his life and we found a coin from 1660 in his grave, and it was from the bishop who attended Mass for the Roi Soleil.”
Confirmation Pending
Archaeologist Wim Dijkman, who has researched D’Artagnan’s grave for 28 years, is more cautious. While optimistic, Dijkman prefers to await DNA confirmation of the skeleton’s identity, as reported by regional public broadcaster Omroep Limburg.
Analysis of the remains is currently underway in Germany and the Netherlands.
The Historical Musketeers
Just as Dumas based D’Artagnan on Charles de Batz de Castelmore, he also drew inspiration from real individuals for the other musketeers: Athos was based on Armand de Sillègue d’Athos d’Auteville, Porthos on Isaac de Portau, and Aramis on Henry de Aramitz.
Adaptations of The Three Musketeers
The adventures of D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis have been adapted for the screen since the silent era. Notable adaptations include:
- The 1970s films starring Michael York as D’Artagnan.
- Disney’s 1990s The Three Musketeers, featuring Chris O’Donnell as D’Artagnan.
- The Man in the Iron Mask (1998), with Gabriel Byrne as an older D’Artagnan and Leonard DiCaprio in dual roles.
- The 2001 film, The Musketeer.
- Paul W.S. Anderson’s 2011 film.
- The BBC series The Musketeers (2014-2016).
- The French two-part film, The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan and The Three Musketeers: Milady.
Nintendo also released a Three Musketeers game in 2006.