Potential remains of d'Artagnan discovered in Maastricht church

Human remains have been discovered beneath the floor of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Maastricht, the Netherlands, which may belong to Charles de Batz de Castelmore, better known as d'Artagnan. The discovery occurred during renovation work after damaged tiles revealed a hidden space under the former altar location. Deacon Jos Valke, who participated in the excavation, claims he is 99% certain the remains belong to the French musketeer, citing the burial location in sacred ground and items found in the grave, including a musket ball and a coin dated 1660. D'Artagnan was a close associate of King Louis XIV and died during the Siege of Maastricht in 1673. While historical records support his presence in the area, archaeologist Wim Dijkman maintains a cautious stance. The bones are currently being analyzed in laboratories in Germany and the Dutch city of Deventer to confirm their identity through DNA testing. The discovery follows long-standing local rumors about the location of his burial site.