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Possible D'Artagnan Remains Found Under Dutch Church

DNA from the teeth is being tested in Munich to check for a match with living de Batz descendants.

Overview

  • Workers repairing St Peter and Paul Church in Maastricht uncovered a grave after a February floor collapse in the nave.
  • The skeleton lay beneath the site of a former altar, and investigators documented a French coin from around 1660 and a lead musket ball fragment near the chest.
  • DNA taken from teeth and jaw on March 13 is now being analyzed in Munich for comparison with relatives in Avignon, France.
  • The bones and associated items were moved to an archaeological institute in Deventer for further study, including checks of age, sex, and origin.
  • Archaeologist Wim Dijkman urged caution as testing proceeds, while deacon Jos Valke voiced strong confidence and the Maastricht mayor asked for restraint until results are known.