Experts Close To Quixotic Discovery: The Bones Of 'Don Quixote' Author, Miguel De Cervantes

Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes (1547 - 1616), circa 1600. He was wounded at the battle of Lepanto in 1571, captured and enslaved by pirates in Algeria in 1575. Once back in Spain, he began writing; 'Don Quixote' is considered his greatest work and was published in 1605 and 1615 (part II). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Experts searching for the remains of Miguel de Cervantes say they have detected bones in five areas near the great Spanish writer's burial site, but cannot yet confirm whether any of them belong to him.

Radar operator Luis Avial said Monday the areas containing evidence of bone remains were found in the Convent of the Barefoot Trinitarians in Madrid, where the "Don Quixote" author was buried in 1616.

Exploration began in May to find the exact whereabouts of the writer's remains.

With initial radar tests concluded, the team hopes to begin excavation and complete forensic identification this year.

The experts hope that Cervantes' teeth and three musket shots he received in his time as a soldier will help with identification.