The tomb was famous and many Romans took things from it. Caligula took Alexander’s breastplate, and Caracalla took his cloak. Despite its importance, the exact location of Alexander’s tomb has been lost over time. Changes in Alexandria due to natural disasters, wars, and building projects likely caused the tomb to disappear. Even today, historians and archaeologists are still searching for it, making it one of history’s greatest mysteries.
The location of the tomb of Alexander the Great has been a subject of mystery and speculation for centuries. Here are the key details about the tomb and its historical context:
### Historical Background
1. **Death and Initial Burial**: Alexander the Great died in 323 BCE in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar II in Babylon. According to historical sources, his body was initially intended to be buried in the Aegae (modern Vergina) in Macedonia, the royal burial place of the Argead dynasty.
2. **Funeral Procession and Hijacking**: Perdiccas, one of Alexander’s generals, arranged for a magnificent funeral procession to transport Alexander’s body back to Macedonia. However, Ptolemy I, another of his generals, hijacked the funeral cortege and took the body to Egypt.
3. **Burial in Memphis**: Alexander’s body was first taken to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, and later transferred to Alexandria, the city he founded, which became his final resting place.
### The Tomb in Alexandria
1. **Construction**: Ptolemy I Soter buried Alexander in Alexandria, where he was eventually placed in a gold sarcophagus, which was later replaced with a glass one by Ptolemy IX Lathyros. The tomb was situated in the Soma (or Sema) area of Alexandria, which became a prominent pilgrimage site.
2. **Visits and Descriptions**: Many historical figures visited Alexander’s tomb, including Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Caligula. Augustus is reported to have placed flowers on the tomb and even touched the nose of Alexander’s body.
### Disappearance
1. **Late Antiquity**: By the late 4th century CE, the tomb’s exact location began to fade from historical records. The upheavals of the period, including natural disasters, wars, and changes in city structures, contributed to its disappearance.
2. **Theories and Searches**: Numerous theories about the location of Alexander’s tomb have emerged over the centuries. Some scholars suggest it might be beneath the modern city of Alexandria, while others propose locations such as Siwa Oasis or elsewhere in Egypt.
### Modern Efforts
1. **Archaeological Searches**: Various archaeological missions have attempted to locate the tomb. In the 19th and 20th centuries, explorers and archaeologists have proposed several potential sites in Alexandria, but none have been conclusively identified as Alexander’s final resting place.
2. **Recent Developments**: In recent years, some promising leads have emerged, but the tomb remains undiscovered. Modern technology and archaeological methods continue to be employed in hopes of locating this historical treasure.
Significance
The tomb of Alexander the Great is significant not only because of his historical impact but also due to the blend of Greek and Egyptian cultures that his burial site represents. The discovery of the tomb would be a major archaeological and historical milestone, offering insights into the Hellenistic period and Alexander’s enduring legacy.
