A new study reveals that the remains of the individual nicknamed “the Knight” found in one of two lead coffins is the famous French poet Joachim du Bellay, who died in 1560.
During the excavation at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris in early 2022, archaeologists uncovered two lead coffins hidden beneath the nave, immediately recognizing their significant historical value. Lead, a metal known for its moisture resistance and preservation qualities, has long been a material of choice for the coffins of the elite, even being used to encase the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II. Given the luxurious coffins in which the two individuals were buried at Notre-Dame, experts concluded that they were likely high-status members of French society, as reported by Smithsonian on September 19.
One of the two lead coffins excavated beneath Notre-Dame Cathedral. (Photo: INRAP).
The research team addressed several questions about the coffin’s occupant in December 2022. Using inscriptions found on one coffin, they identified the individual inside as Antoine de la Porte, a senior priest who died in 1710 at the age of 83. However, they knew very little about the other individual, a man in his 30s nicknamed “the Knight”, likely due to his deformed remains, which suggest he spent excessive time in this position.
Now, after nearly two years of research, scholars propose that the true identity of the remains is Joachim du Bellay, a prominent Renaissance poet in France who died in 1560. Several compelling pieces of evidence link “the Knight” to du Bellay. The poet’s equestrian abilities are well-documented in history, including a remarkable journey he made from Paris to Rome while suffering from tuberculosis, as shared by Eric Crubézy, a biological anthropologist at the University of Toulouse III, during a press conference on September 17.
Du Bellay struggled with poor health throughout his life. Meanwhile, the Knight’s remains indicated chronic meningitis caused by osteo-tuberculosis, both rare conditions at the time. “He meets every criterion of the portrait,” Crubézy noted. “He was a successful knight who suffered from both ailments mentioned in some of his poetry.” The du Bellay family had royal lineage and was closely related to the Pope.
Official records show that du Bellay, a relative of a French cardinal named Jean du Bellay, was buried in the Saint-Crépin chapel of Notre-Dame after his death at the age of 37. However, an excavation conducted in 1758 did not find the poet’s remains.
According to a statement from the National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP), scholars suspect that du Bellay’s remains were later transferred to a lateral chapel in Notre-Dame, possibly in 1569, after his complete works were published or temporarily relocated. The location where the coffin was found previously housed another coffin typically reserved for individuals of high status.
However, not all researchers are convinced that the skeleton belongs to du Bellay. Christophe Besnier, an archaeologist at INRAP and the excavation team leader, revealed that isotopic analysis of the Knight’s teeth suggests he grew up in Paris or the Lyon region. Du Bellay was born in Anjou. In response, Crubézy stated that du Bellay was raised by Jean du Bellay, who was once the bishop of Paris, thus he spent considerable time in the French capital.
