D’Artagnan Found? Skeleton May Belong to Legendary Musketeer
More than 350 years after his death, the long-lost remains of the legendary French musketeer who inspired Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel “The Three Musketeers” may have been found.
The discovery was made in the Dutch town of Maastricht during repairs at St. Peter and Paul Church after part of the floor collapsed. A skeleton excavated from the spot where the altar once stood is now being examined to determine whether it belongs to Charles de Batz-Castelmore, the 17th-century soldier known as d’Artagnan.
D’Artagnan, popularly remembered as the brave, hotheaded youth who joins the eponymous trio of swashbuckling heroes as the “fourth musketeer,” was a real historical figure. He served the “Sun King” Louis XIV as captain of the Musketeers of the Guard and was killed in 1673 during the French siege of Maastricht.
Clues from the grave include a coin from the 1660s and fragments of a musket ball near the chest, consistent with historical accounts. The burial beneath a church altar also suggests the remains belong to a person of importance. DNA testing is underway to confirm the identity. While experts remain cautious, a match could finally solve a centuries-old mystery.
Yesel Kang Copy Editor junior/1776844903/1613367813
1. Where was the skeleton of the legendary French musketeer discovered?
2. Which French king did d’Artagnan serve as a captain?
3. What items were found near the chest of the skeleton?
4. How was the real d’Artagnan killed in the year 1673?
1. Do you enjoy reading stories based on real historical figures?
2. Why is DNA testing important to solve old historical mysteries?
3. Should we keep searching for the remains of famous heroes?
4. Does finding a famous person's grave change history for you?
More than 350 years after his death, the long-lost remains of the legendary French musketeer who inspired Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel “The Three Musketeers” may have been found.
