'Don Quixote' author Miguel de Cervantes' coffin almost found 400yrs after death

Miguel de Cervantes' long-lost remains have been found by the Spain searchers after nine-months of search in Madrid, which is believed to be the coffin of the late author.

The forensic experts reported that they had discovered two series of tacks forming the thumb-sized initials 'MC' on a coffin in the crypt believed to contain Cervantes' remains, the Independent reported.

The researchers added that the bones inside the coffin, which are apparently mixed up with those of other burials, are now being analysed to see if they belong to the writer.

The search experts explained that identification of the legendary Spanish writer's bones could be fairly straightforward as he was around 70 years old at death, had a deformed left hand, sagging shoulder blades due to arthritis and signs of severe chest bruising due to injuries incurred from an arquebus shot in the naval Battle of Lepanto off western Greece in 1571.

The Author of 'Don Quixote' was buried in April 1616 in the Convent of the Barefoot Trinitarians, a nunnery in Madrid's historic Barrio de las Letras quarter. But after the building was reconstructed in 1673, the precise location of the grave was lost.