The Lost Tomb of Alexander the Great
In the fourth century AD, the magnificent tomb of Alexander the Great mysteriously vanished from historical records in Alexandria, Egypt. To this day, it remains undiscovered.
This is the story of the tomb up to its disappearance and the leading theories about its potential location.
The Search for Alexander the Great’s Tomb: One of History’s Greatest Mysteries
Alexander the Great: History’s Greatest Conqueror
Alexander the Great (356–323 BC) is regarded as one of history's greatest conquerors and one of the most influential figures of antiquity. He lived a short but eventful life, dying at the age of 32 after establishing an empire larger than Rome's, with geopolitical consequences that shaped the ancient world for centuries.
His tomb in Alexandria, Egypt, became a pilgrimage site for prominent figures seeking social or political recognition. However, in the fourth century AD, the tomb suddenly disappeared from all historical records and has never been found.
Alexander the Great: A Life of Achievements
From a young age, Alexander stood out. At just thirteen, he was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle, becoming a cultured youth with a love for arts, philosophy, and religion. At the same time, his father, King Philip II of Macedon, trained him in warfare using innovative techniques, such as the Macedonian phalanx, where soldiers wielded six-meter-long spears.
At sixteen, Alexander became a capable military leader. Following his father’s assassination when he was twenty, he ascended the throne, eliminating all rivals to consolidate his power.
In 334 BC, he launched his campaign against the Persian Empire, founding the Macedonian Empire, which included Egypt, Persia, and lands stretching as far as the Himalayas in India—all within a decade.
The Search for Alexander the Great’s Tomb: One of History’s Greatest Mysteries
The Early Death of Alexander
Alexander the Great died on June 10 or 11, 323 BC, at the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon at the age of 32. The exact cause of his death remains uncertain, possibly due to illness or poisoning.
Alexander had expressed a wish to be buried in the Siwa Oasis in Egypt, claiming descent from the god Zeus-Ammon. However, this wish was not honored. After his death, his body was embalmed according to Egyptian traditions, dried with salt, and perfumed with spices and herbs.
The Stolen Body and the Tomb’s Relocation
After Alexander's death, an elaborate funeral cart was prepared to transport his body to Macedonia, where he was to be buried alongside his father. However, during the procession through Syria, one of his generals, Ptolemy I Soter, intercepted the cortege and took it to Memphis, Egypt.
Ptolemy realized that ruling the entire empire was unfeasible, so he focused on consolidating his power in Egypt and Libya. Later, Alexander's sarcophagus was moved to Alexandria and placed in a mausoleum called the "Soma," according to the Greek historian Strabo.
The Mysterious Disappearance of the Tomb in the Fourth Century
For centuries, Alexander's tomb remained in Alexandria as a celebrated site visited by notable figures and dignitaries. However, by the end of the fourth century, all records of the mausoleum disappeared under mysterious circumstances.
The last known reference to the tomb was in a letter by the Roman rhetorician Libanius in AD 391. Yet, around AD 400, John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, mentioned visiting Alexandria and finding the tomb missing.
Theories About the Tomb's Disappearance
Destroyed by a Natural Disaster
In AD 365, a massive earthquake, estimated at 8.5 on the Richter scale, devastated parts of Alexandria and may have destroyed Alexander's tomb. Subsequent quakes submerged portions of the city under the sea.
Destroyed During Religious Conflicts
By the late fourth century, Christianity had become the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, and Christian factions began destroying pagan temples. Alexander's tomb, regarded as a pagan shrine, might have been a casualty of this period.
The Mummy in the Mosque of Nabi Daniel
In 1850, a local guide named Ambrose Schilizzi claimed to have seen Alexander’s mummy in a crypt beneath the Mosque of Nabi Daniel in Alexandria. However, this claim remains unverified.
Moved to Constantinople
In AD 630, during Emperor Heraclius's reign, there were military campaigns to reclaim former Roman territories. Some theories suggest that Heraclius ordered Alexander’s remains moved to Constantinople to bolster his rule. Yet, no archaeological evidence supports this idea.
Still Hidden in Alexandria
Some theories propose that Alexander’s tomb remains in its original location, buried or obscured by time. Given Alexandria’s rich history of earthquakes and shifting geography, the ruins may lie beneath layers of the modern city.
Recent Discoveries Renew Hope
In recent years, numerous excavations in Alexandria and its surroundings have reignited interest in finding Alexander's tomb. Notable findings include:
Ancient Tunnels and Passageways: A network of tunnels beneath Alexandria, potentially linked to royal burials.
Previously Unknown Textual Clues: Newly discovered references in ancient texts hinting at specific locations for the tomb within the city.
Archaeological and Historical Significance
If Alexander the Great's tomb were discovered, it would rank among history's greatest archaeological finds. It could provide deeper insights into his life and legacy, as well as rare glimpses into funerary practices and religious beliefs of the era.