Martin Guerre

For the musical based on this person, see Martin Guerre (musical). For other uses, see Martin Guerre (disambiguation).
The story of Martin Guerre, published by Hubertus Goltzius in 1565. Preserved in the Public Library of Bruges.[1]
Title page of Arrest Memorable, an account of the case written by trial judge Jean de Coras in 1560 and published in 1565 in Lyon.

Martin Guerre (French pronunciation: [maʁtɛ̃ ɡɛʁ]), a French peasant of the 16th century, was at the centre of a famous case of imposture. Several years after Martin Guerre had left his wife, child and village, a man claiming to be him appeared. He lived with Guerre's wife and son for three years.

The false Martin Guerre was eventually suspected of the impersonation. He was tried, discovered to be a man named Arnaud du Tilh and executed. The real Martin Guerre had returned during the trial. The case continues to be studied and dramatised to this day. The story was published many times and was spread throughout Europe.

  1. ^ "Startpagina | Bibliotheek Brugge". brugge.bibliotheek.be. Retrieved 8 July 2021.