The mystery surrounding a deformed body found inside a lead coffin under Notre-Dame Cathedral has finally been solved. Scientists have revealed that the skeleton, once dubbed “The Horseman,” likely belonged to renowned French Renaissance poet Joachim du Bellay. The discovery comes after years of investigation following the 2019 Notre-Dame fire, which unearthed two lead tombs during restoration work on the iconic structure.
Du Bellay, who died in 1560 at the age of 37, was believed to have been buried at Notre-Dame after serving as a clerical official there. The nickname “The Horseman” was given to the skeleton due to evidence suggesting the man was an avid horse rider, a fact that aligns with historical accounts of du Bellay frequently traveling to Rome on horseback.
Researchers faced challenges in identifying the body, but clues emerged as they analyzed the skeleton’s age and health conditions. The bones showed signs of severe health issues, including bone tuberculosis, a condition that matches reports of du Bellay suffering from intense headaches and deafness before his death. Additionally, du Bellay had written poems referencing his love for riding and animals, further linking him to the skeletal remains.
Although initial burial records suggested du Bellay was laid to rest in the Saint-Crépin chapel, the evidence from the tomb beneath Notre-Dame points to a strong likelihood that it is indeed him. Isotope analysis of the skeleton’s teeth also indicated a background connected to Paris or Lyon, aligning with du Bellay’s known time spent in the capital.
While there are still some uncertainties, archaeologists from the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research are confident in their findings, though they have not issued a final, conclusive verdict.
This discovery is part of a broader effort to restore Notre-Dame after the devastating fire that shocked France and the world in 2019. Along with the tombs, archaeologists found fragments of sculptures and parts of the original 13th-century rood screen, deepening our understanding of the cathedral’s historical significance. The reopening of Notre-Dame is expected by December 2024, marking a new chapter in its storied history.
