Scientists FINALLY Opened The Tomb Of Alexander The Great After Thousands of Years!
Scientists FINALLY Opened The Tomb Of Alexander The Great After Thousands of Years!
Archaeologists Make Significant Discoveries in Search for Alexander the Great’s Tomb
The quest to locate the final resting place of Alexander the Great, one of history’s most legendary figures, has long captivated archaeologists. Using cutting-edge technology and exploring new sites, researchers are closer than ever to solving this ancient mystery.
Alexander’s Final Wishes and Early Burial
Before his death in 323 BC, Alexander had made a unique request regarding his burial. He asked not to be interred with his father, King Philip II, but instead, to be recognized as the son of Zeus Ammon. This request would eventually lead to a tumultuous journey for his body. According to historical records, after his sudden death in Babylon, Alexander’s body was mummified and placed in a gold coffin. The original plan was to transport his remains to Siwa, but the funeral procession was abruptly halted by one of Alexander’s generals, Ptolemy I, in Syria. Ptolemy diverted the body’s journey to Egypt, where it found an unexpected final resting place in Memphis.
The Move to Alexandria
Several years later, Ptolemy II, the successor of Ptolemy I, decided to move Alexander’s body again. In the early 3rd century BC, he arranged for the remains to be transferred from Memphis to Alexandria, where they were placed in a tomb at the center of the city. By 274 BC, it was widely known that Alexander’s tomb was situated in Alexandria, and the site became a focal point of the cult dedicated to his memory.
Recent archaeological excavations have further supported the belief that Alexander’s tomb lies somewhere in Alexandria. On the final day of a recent excavation, archaeologists unearthed a statue bearing a striking resemblance to Alexander. This discovery greatly excited the excavation team and renewed hopes that they might be closing in on the true location of the tomb. Papacosta, one of the lead researchers, remarked that the moment the statue revealed itself, it seemed like a sign. The statue’s hand, tilted downward and held in a position as if it once carried a spear, aligned with Alexander’s famous portrayal as a spear-bearer.
The Statue and Its Significance
Papacosta explained the profound significance of the find: the statue’s pose and the hand gesture mirrored Alexander’s known method of addressing Zeus, with his gaze cast downward in a symbolic display of humility. The statue was subsequently identified as an early Hellenistic portrayal of Alexander. It is now displayed at the National Museum of Alexandria. This discovery marks another major milestone in the search for the tomb.
Previous Discoveries and New Theories
The excavation team, led by Papacosta, has made several key discoveries in Alexandria over the years. In 2015, they uncovered a large public structure dating to the Ptolemaic period, which provided insights into the ancient city’s royal quarters. Two years later, they found the ancient royal residences near the intersection of Alexandria’s ancient city, further supporting the theory that Alexander’s tomb is situated nearby.
Papacosta’s work has been largely funded by private institutions, including the Greek company Cleos and the MB Kabui Foundation. The National Geographic Society has also provided support, particularly in the form of advanced electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technology, which helps pinpoint potential excavation areas.
However, not all archaeologists agree on Alexandria as the final resting place of Alexander. Another theory that has gained traction suggests the Tomb of Amphipolis, a lavish burial site in Greece, could hold Alexander’s remains. Discovered in 2012, the Amphipolis tomb dates to the late 4th century BC, aligning with the period of Alexander’s death. Its opulent decorations, including mosaic floors, marble sculptures, and carvings, suggest that it might belong to an important historical figure—possibly Alexander himself.
The Royal Tombs of Macedonia
Some scholars propose that Alexander’s remains could be buried in the Royal Tombs of Aegae in Macedonia, where his father, King Philip II, is interred. The tombs, which were discovered in the 1970s, feature two chambers: one contains a gold larynx, believed to hold the cremated remains of a man, and the other contains the remains of a woman. The tomb is richly adorned with paintings and symbols associated with Alexander and his dynasty. The discovery of such regal imagery, including depictions of lion hunts—Alexander’s favorite pastime—has fueled the theory that these tombs may house the remains of both Alexander and his father.
However, the enigma remains: If Philip II is buried here, where could Alexander’s remains lie? Some scholars suggest the possibility of Alexander’s burial in another nearby, simpler tomb that might have been looted over the centuries. Still, this tomb features intriguing artwork, including a wall painting of the abduction of Persephone by Hades, which could be linked to Alexander’s visit to the Siwa Oasis in Egypt, where he was proclaimed the son of Zeus.
Alexander’s Legacy
Alexander the Great’s death at the age of 32 in 323 BC marked the end of an era. His conquests, however, reshaped the world and left an indelible legacy. Born in 356 BC in the ancient city of Pella, Macedonia, Alexander rose to power after the assassination of his father, King Philip II, in 336 BC. His military prowess and strategic brilliance allowed him to conquer vast territories, stretching from Greece to Egypt and as far east as India. His legendary campaigns and unmatched leadership skills are still admired to this day.
Despite his death, Alexander’s empire continued to influence history for centuries. His soldiers, devastated by his passing, mourned the loss of their leader. According to accounts, Alexander’s last words were a request for his generals to meet him in the afterlife as good and valiant men. He died on either June 10th or 11th, 323 BC, in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon.
The Search Continues
The search for Alexander’s tomb remains ongoing. With the latest discoveries, including the statue and other artifacts, the archaeologists believe they are getting closer to finding the final resting place of one of history’s most revered military leaders. As new theories and technologies continue to emerge, the world eagerly awaits the day when the tomb of Alexander the Great is finally uncovered.