The Mystery of Joachim du Bellay’s Final Resting Place Solved!
Archaeologists in Paris have identified a mysterious skeleton discovered beneath the Notre-Dame Cathedral as Joachim du Bellay, a renowned French Renaissance poet who died in 1560. This revelation brings closure to a centuries-old mystery about the poet’s final resting place, which had baffled historians for generations.
Lead Coffins Unearthed After Notre-Dame Fire
During restoration efforts in 2022, following the devastating 2019 fire at Notre-Dame, archaeologists uncovered a lead sarcophagus shaped like a human body. Inside, they found a skeleton, dubbed “the horseman” due to evidence of frequent horse riding. This coffin was one of two discovered beneath the cathedral’s nave, a prestigious burial site. While the other coffin was identified as belonging to Antoine de la Porte, a prominent cleric who died in 1710, the second body remained a mystery until now.
The lead-lined coffins were buried 65 feet beneath the nave, a place reserved for individuals of high social or religious status. Lead coffins were commonly used by elites as they prevented decomposition by sealing out moisture. This suggested that both individuals interred there had significant standing in society.
Photo Credit: Denis Gliksman/Inrap
Clues from the Skeleton’s Condition
Initial analysis revealed that the second skeleton belonged to a man in his 30s who suffered from chronic illnesses, including tuberculosis and meningitis. These health problems, combined with bone deformities caused by extensive horse riding, led to the "horseman" nickname. However, forensic details and historical records soon pointed towards Joachim du Bellay, who passed away at the age of 37.
Dr. Éric Crubézy, a biological anthropologist at the University of Toulouse III, played a central role in identifying the remains. During a press conference in September 2023, Crubézy stated, "He matches all the criteria of the portrait," referring to du Bellay’s equestrian abilities and poor health. The poet’s documented travels on horseback and near-death experience from tuberculosis were reflected in the skeleton’s physical condition.
The skeletal remains showed signs of bone tuberculosis and chronic meningitis, both of which were mentioned in du Bellay’s writings. In his poem La Complainte du désespéré (The Complaint of the Despairing), he referred to a "storm that blurs [his] mind," likely describing the mental effects of his illnesses. His family’s ties to the royal court and his close connection to the Pope’s entourage further support the idea that he would have been buried in such a prestigious location.
Photo Credit: Denis Gliksman/Inrap
Historical Records and Skepticism
Historical documents indicated that du Bellay was originally buried in Notre-Dame’s Saint-Crépin chapel, close to his relative, Cardinal Jean du Bellay. However, an 18th-century excavation failed to locate his remains, leading scholars to believe they had been moved, possibly in 1569 after the publication of his complete works.
Despite compelling evidence, some experts remain cautious. Christophe Besnier, lead archaeologist with France’s National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), noted that isotope analysis of the skeleton’s teeth suggests the individual grew up in Paris or Lyon, whereas du Bellay was born in Anjou, western France. However, Crubézy countered this by pointing out that du Bellay spent much of his childhood in Paris under the care of his relative, Jean du Bellay, which could explain the Parisian isotopic signature.
Dominique Garcia, president of INRAP, expressed confidence in the identification, asking, "What more can we have? His age and pathology alone offer remarkable statistical solidity."
Photo Credit: Unknown Source
A Significant Historical Discovery
The identification of Joachim du Bellay’s remains concludes a long-running mystery and highlights the poet’s lasting influence. Known for his contributions to the French Renaissance, particularly his defence of the French language as a rival to Greek and Latin, du Bellay remains a key figure in French cultural heritage.
The discovery of his remains, along with other important finds at Notre-Dame, underlines the cathedral’s immense historical significance. As Notre-Dame prepares to reopen in December 2024, these discoveries offer a deeper connection to France’s rich history.