Researchers at Toulouse University Hospital have made a significant breakthrough in uncovering the identity of the mysterious “horseman” discovered in a lead-lined coffin beneath the Notre Dame Cathedral. The preserved remains, believed to be of French Renaissance poet Joachim du Bellay, were found in a sealed sarcophagus near the high priest Antoine de la Porte during excavations following the cathedral’s devastating fire in 2019.
Unveiling the Mystery
Analysis conducted by the Toulouse University Hospital’s forensic institute revealed compelling evidence linking the skeleton to Joachim du Bellay. The man inside the coffin displayed signs of bone tuberculosis, chronic meningitis, and a strong affinity for horse riding, which led to his intriguing nickname. Dr. Éric Crubézy, a professor of biological anthropology at the University of Toulouse III and a research director at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research, has put forth the hypothesis that the mysterious horseman is indeed the renowned poet.
A Remarkable Life
Born in Anjou in 1522, Joachim du Bellay relocated to Paris and Rome where he crafted his influential works during the French Renaissance. One of his notable contributions was a compelling defense of French as an artistic language capable of rivaling the literary prowess of ancient Greece and Rome. Despite battling poor health for years, Joachim du Bellay passed away in 1560 at the young age of 37, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of literature.
Challenging the Identity
While the evidence linking the skeleton to Joachim du Bellay seems compelling, not all archaeologists involved in the excavation are convinced of this conclusion. Christophe Besnier, a dig leader and archaeologist with INRAP, pointed to isotope analysis suggesting that the man may have grown up in the Paris or Lyon regions, rather than Anjou where du Bellay was born. Isotopes found in teeth and bones can provide valuable insights into a person’s origin based on dietary habits and drinking water sources. Nevertheless, Dr. Crubézy argued that du Bellay’s close association with Jean du Bellay, who served as the bishop of Paris, could explain the discrepancy.
The discovery of the mysterious horseman’s remains beneath Notre Dame Cathedral has captivated researchers and historians alike, shedding new light on the life and legacy of Joachim du Bellay. The meticulous analysis conducted by experts at Toulouse University Hospital has opened up a fascinating chapter in the cathedral’s history, providing valuable insights into the individuals buried within its walls.
As the investigation into the identity of the horseman continues, the findings announced by Dr. Crubézy and his team offer a compelling narrative that ties the preserved remains to the illustrious poet Joachim du Bellay. The discovery serves as a testament to the enduring mysteries hidden within the walls of historic structures like Notre Dame Cathedral, inviting further exploration and discovery in the realm of archaeology and forensics.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the mysterious horseman’s identity at Notre Dame Cathedral represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to unravel the secrets of the past. Through meticulous analysis and scholarly research, experts have pieced together a compelling narrative that links the preserved remains to the French Renaissance poet Joachim du Bellay, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of a literary luminary.