More than 350 years after his death on the battlefield, the skeleton of the soldier who inspired one of literature’s most famous characters may have been uncovered in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Construction workers carrying out repairs at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in Maastricht discovered a skeleton beneath a damaged section of the floor. Archaeologists now believe the remains could belong to Charles de Batz-Castelmore, better known as d’Artagnan, a 17th-century French musketeer whose life later influenced Alexandre Dumas’ novel The Three Musketeers.
The burial site closely matches historical descriptions linked to d’Artagnan’s death in 1673 during the Siege of Maastricht. Although the identity has not yet been confirmed, early findings have raised significant interest among historians and researchers.
Burial clues suggest high status
Experts say several elements of the discovery point to a prominent individual. The skeleton was found beneath the church altar, an area traditionally reserved for high-ranking figures or individuals of importance.
Historical accounts describe d’Artagnan as a trusted officer serving under King Louis XIV. He died after being struck by a musket ball while leading troops during the siege. His burial location, however, remained unknown for centuries.
A hidden chapter of history may have just been uncovered.
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) March 25, 2026
Inside the Petrus en Pauluskerk in Maastricht, archaeologists have found a skeleton believed to be d’Artagnan — the real-life hero behind The Three Musketeers, who died in 1673 during the siege of the city. pic.twitter.com/htks23zXeV
Among the items recovered at the site was a French coin from the same era, along with a bullet found near the chest area of the skeleton. Researchers note that the position of the projectile aligns with historical descriptions of how d’Artagnan was killed.
Church officials, including Deacon Jos Valke, said the combination of the burial location and physical evidence strengthens the possibility that the remains belong to the famed musketeer.
Scientific tests underway
The remains were examined by archaeologist Wim Dijkman, who has spent nearly three decades researching d’Artagnan’s final resting place. Following the discovery, the skeleton was transferred to an archaeological institute in Deventer for further analysis.
Scientists collected DNA samples earlier this month, which are currently being studied in a laboratory in Munich. Researchers plan to compare the genetic material with that of known descendants of d’Artagnan’s family to determine a match.
Dijkman emphasized that while the evidence is compelling, only scientific verification can confirm the identity. The case has drawn attention from experts across Europe, with multiple institutions involved in the investigation.
D’Artagnan’s legacy expanded long after his death, gaining worldwide recognition through Dumas’ 1844 novel. The character has since become a symbol of bravery and adventure in literature and film.
If confirmed, the discovery would resolve a long-standing historical mystery and connect a legendary fictional hero to a real and traceable past.