Joachim Du Bellay identified in Notre-Dame coffin excavation findings

On September 17, the French National Institute of Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) revealed significant findings from excavations conducted under Notre-Dame Cathedral following the 2019 fire. Among the discoveries were two leaded coffins, one of which was identified as belonging to the French Renaissance poet Joachim Du Bellay, who passed away in 1560 at the age of 35. This identification was made by Eric Crubézy, a medical doctor and anthropology professor, through a detailed retrospective investigation. The excavations, which took place in early 2022, uncovered eight graves beneath the transept crossing, a site historically used as a necropolis from the 14th to 18th centuries. The presence of leaded coffins indicated that their occupants held a special status. While one coffin was easily identified as belonging to Antoine de la Porte, a canon of Notre-Dame, the second coffin remained a mystery until researchers pieced together clues about its occupant. Du Bellay's remains showed signs of suffering from tuberculosis of the bones and a life marked by intense horse riding, leading researchers to nickname him "The Horseman." His burial in the chapel of Saint-Crépin was confirmed by historical records, which noted that he was not a religious dignitary but had familial connections to prominent church figures, including his uncle, Jean Du Bellay, a cardinal. This discovery not only sheds light on the life and death of a significant literary figure but also enhances our understanding of the historical context of burials at Notre-Dame, reflecting the cathedral's role as a burial site for notable individuals in French history.