A captivating mystery surrounding a skeleton discovered beneath the ruins of Notre Dame Cathedral has finally been unraveled. Forensic experts have concluded that the preserved remains, dubbed ‘the horseman’ due to evidence of bone tuberculosis, chronic meningitis, and an affinity for horseback riding, belong to none other than the famed French Renaissance poet, Joachim du Bellay.
The discovery of the skeleton, encased in a sealed sarcophagus, was made during excavations following the devastating 2019 fire at the cathedral. The skeleton’s location near the remains of high priest Antoine de la Porte and the detailed forensic analysis conducted by the Toulouse University Hospital’s forensic institute provided crucial clues. Dr. Éric Crubézy, a renowned professor of biological anthropology at the University of Toulouse III and research director at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research, spearheaded the identification effort.
Crubézy meticulously compared the skeletal remains to historical records and literary works by du Bellay. The poet’s writings often alluded to his physical ailments, including the debilitating tuberculosis that plagued him throughout his life. Du Bellay’s poems vividly describe the physical and mental anguish he endured, echoing the signs of chronic meningitis detected in the skeleton’s remains. Crubézy’s analysis also highlighted the skeleton’s robust musculature, a characteristic consistent with du Bellay’s reputation as an accomplished horseman. These remarkable connections, presented at a Sept. 17 news conference, cemented the identification of the skeleton as the celebrated poet.
Born in 1522 in Anjou, France, du Bellay established himself as a prominent figure of the French Renaissance. His literary contributions included championing the French language as a medium for artistic expression, challenging the dominance of Latin in the arts. After years of struggling with ill health, du Bellay passed away in 1560 at the young age of 37. His final resting place had remained a mystery for centuries until this recent discovery.
While the identification of the skeleton as du Bellay has garnered widespread excitement and acceptance, not all archaeologists are entirely convinced. Christophe Besnier, a lead archaeologist involved in the excavation, expressed reservations based on isotope analysis, which suggested the individual grew up in the Paris or Lyon regions, not Anjou where du Bellay was born. However, Crubézy countered that du Bellay spent his formative years with his relative, Jean du Bellay, the bishop of Paris, potentially explaining the isotope discrepancies.
Despite the lingering doubts, the weight of evidence strongly points to the remains belonging to Joachim du Bellay. The combination of physical characteristics, literary references, and historical context paints a compelling picture, solidifying the identification. This discovery offers a glimpse into the life of a significant figure of the French Renaissance and provides a tangible link to the rich history of Notre Dame Cathedral.
