Remains of Renaissance Poet Joachim du Bellay Likely Found at Notre Dame

Archaeologists identify skeleton in lead coffin discovered during post-fire restoration as 16th-century poet.

The lead coffin was discovered beneath the transept of Notre Dame Cathedral during restoration work following the 2019 fire.
Researchers believe the remains are those of Joachim du Bellay, a French Renaissance poet who died in 1560 at the age of 37.
Du Bellay was known for his equestrian skills and suffered from tuberculosis and chronic meningitis, conditions found in the skeleton.
The poet's tomb had been a mystery for centuries; his remains were expected to be in a side chapel but were found in a different location.
The identification adds to the significant archaeological discoveries made during Notre Dame's restoration, which is set to be completed by December 2024.