The Tomb of Alexander the Great: Empire, Mystery, and Discovery

Map of Alexander's empire and his route

The Tomb of Alexander the Great: Unravel the mysteries surrounding the resting place of one of history’s greatest conquerors. Delve into archaeological discoveries, historical speculations, and the ongoing quest to locate this legendary site.

Alexander the Great, one of history’s greatest military commanders, was born in 356 BC in Pella, Macedonia. Trained under the guidance of the esteemed philosopher Aristotle, Alexander succeeded his father’s throne at a mere 20 years old. His empire spanned from Greece to Egypt and extended eastward to India, reflecting an exceptional reign that abruptly ended with his death in 323 BC.

An Empire Like No Other

Driven by an unquenchable thirst for conquest and distinguished by his extraordinary strategic prowess, Alexander the Great embarked on an unparalleled campaign of expansion. Consolidating his power in Greece after the assassination of his father, Philip II, he set his sights further afield, succeeding where his father could not by overcoming Persia. This victory enabled him to claim the Pharaoh’s throne in Egypt and the title of Great King from the Persian territories.

His empire, unique in its extensive geographical reach, cultural diversity, and rapid formation, spanned three continents, covering around 5.2 million square kilometers. Starting from Europe, it extended east to include Asia Minor, Egypt in Africa, Persia, and parts of India. This vast domain was characterized by Alexander’s policy of fusion, encouraging his Macedonian soldiers to marry native women from the conquered territories. He championed the proliferation of Greek culture and language, initiating the Hellenistic era during which Greek influence reached its zenith.

Historical Challenge: Can You Conquer the Past?

Answer more than 18 questions correctly, and you wll win a copy of History Chronicles Magazine Vol 1! Take our interactive history quiz now and put your knowledge to the test!

History Quiz

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Which piece of legislation prohibited racial segregation in public places in the United States?

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Who was the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)?

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Who was the commander of the Union Army from March 1864 to the end of the Civil War?

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What was the name of Robert E. Lee's beloved horse during the Civil War?

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Which battle marked the turning point of the American Civil War?

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What date is considered the start of World War II?

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Which Viking god was known as the Allfather and the god of wisdom, poetry, and war?

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In which year was Napoleon exiled to Saint Helena?

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The Vikings traded extensively with which major Byzantine city, often referred to as “Miklagard” in Old Norse?

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In what year did Simon Bolivar proclaim the First Republic of Venezuela?

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Do you know to which pre-Columbian civilization the golden ornament in the photograph, kept in the Metropolitan Museum in the US, is attributed?

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The photograph features one of the most significant works of Islamic calligraphy, created in the 9th and 10th centuries, and is kept in the Metropolitan Museum. Do you know by which name this work is known?

13 / 20

What does "Memento mori" mean in English?

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Which famous ancient military commander was tutored by Aristotle?

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Which event is considered the start of the American Civil War?

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What does "Veni, vidi, vici" mean in English?

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What was the primary purpose of the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

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Which Viking saga tells the story of the Greenlanders and their voyages to North America?

19 / 20

Which act signed by Lincoln granted 160 acres of public land to settlers for a small fee?

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Machu Picchu, discovered in the early twentieth century, is a lost city of which civilization?

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The Mysterious Disappearance of Alexander’s Tomb

After Alexander’s enigmatic death in Babylon in 323 BC, his body was transported to Memphis, Egypt. Given that Egypt was a crucial part of his empire, the esteemed city of Memphis was a fitting burial site for a ruler of Alexander’s stature.

Eventually, his remains were relocated to Alexandria, a city founded by and named after him. This decision was likely motivated by political reasons, as Ptolemy, one of Alexander’s generals turned ruler of Egypt, sought to cement his rule by associating himself with the iconic leader. However, the tomb’s exact location in Alexandria has remained elusive, giving rise to countless speculations and proposed locations over the centuries.

Unraveling the Mystery

A potential breakthrough came with the tireless work of Greek archaeologist Calliope Limneos-Papakosta. Having dedicated over two decades to extensive research and excavations in Alexandria, northern Egypt, she might have located Alexander’s long-lost tomb. Her team’s findings include a statue, an ancient Roman road, and the foundations of what could be the former royal quarter, purported to be the tomb’s site.

Greek archaeologist Calliope Limneos-Papakosta
Greek archaeologist Calliope Limneos-Papakosta (Source: greekreporter.com)

As per historical accounts, the tomb was lost due to an earthquake around 365 AD, which led to the mass evacuation of Alexandria. Regardless, Limneos-Papakosta remained resolute in her quest, employing ancient manuscripts, maps, and cutting-edge tomography to construct a 3D image of the area’s stratification. Her persistence might have finally unearthed Alexander’s final resting place, potentially ending decades of relentless research.

This potential discovery could significantly invigorate Egypt’s tourism sector, particularly with the impending inauguration of the Great Egyptian Museum. If verified, Limneos-Papakosta’s claim would undeniably enrich Egypt’s historical allure, adding yet another captivating chapter to the nation’s rich historical narrative.

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