"Presumed tomb" of Montaigne in Bordeaux: probable bones of a man, research continues - France 24

Bordeaux (AFP)

Bones recently found in the basement of a museum in Bordeaux, in the "presumed tomb" of the philosopher Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592), are indeed those of an adult, "probably a man" but research is continuing for precise identification, the researchers said on Friday.

The bones found in a lead coffin are those of a "single individual. It is an adult and it is probably a man", indicated to the press Hélène Réveillas, archaeo-anthropologist at the Metropolis of Bordeaux , presenting the results of a new excavation campaign.

"We have elements which are not to the detriment of the fact that it is about Montaigne but we have nothing which allows us to affirm it", added with caution the specialist, the "mystery remains".

Research on the “presumed tomb” of the philosopher and mayor of Bordeaux from 1581 to 1585 was the subject of two archaeological research campaigns, in November 2019 and then this week, at the Aquitaine museum, a former convent of the Feuillants.

In its basement was a masonry structure, without inscriptions, always considered "the tomb of Montaigne".

Last year, a wooden coffin, itself containing a lead coffin, was discovered there after opening.

Bones had been detected inside the coffins using an endoscopic camera.

The lead coffin was opened this week, revealing "a well-preserved skeleton", a skull "with almost all of its teeth, organic matter still undetermined", remains of tissues, pollens, insects, according to the archaeologist.

Laboratory research, in particular with carbon 14 for dating, will be carried out by about twenty specialists on the coffins and the various remains, in particular to look for the remains of the kidney stones from which the writer suffered.

Scientists "hope to have results in 2021", according to Ms. Réveillas.

Michel Eyquem de Montaigne (1533-1592) landlord, magistrate, diplomat, traveler, was both very involved in the social and political life of his time, troubled by the wars of religion, but also a writer-thinker retired in his tour, author of "Essais".

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