Where is Alexander the Great's father? Science debunks a belief about his grave.

A recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science has challenged the traditional identification of Tomb I at Vergina, Greece, as the final resting place of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great . Using radiocarbon analysis and osteological studies , the researchers suggest that the remains belong to a younger man , a woman, and six infants, contradicting the previous belief.

Tomb I, discovered in 1977 at the Aigai archaeological site (present-day Vergina), was found to be comparable to that of Tutankhamun, but has been the subject of debate for decades. While some archaeologists have suggested that it contained the remains of Philip II , others have argued that the monarch was buried in Tomb II, also located in the same complex. The new study strengthens the latter hypothesis by dating the human remains to between 388 and 356 BC, while Philip II was assassinated in 336 BC at the age of 46.

Osteological analysis indicates that the man buried in Tomb I was between 25 and 35 years old at the time of his death, making him too young to be Philip II. Furthermore, the presence of a woman and six infants suggests a different funerary context than that of a king killed under political circumstances . The researchers also note that the tomb lacks an entrance, indicating it was sealed in ancient times and that the individuals were buried simultaneously, Live Science reports.

This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of Macedonian history and the identification of royal tombs. If Philip II is not buried in Tomb I, his tomb is likely Tomb II, which contains the remains of a man with a leg injury consistent with the king's documented wounds. This debate over the location of Philip II's tomb has been a source of controversy in Greek archaeology for years.

The re-evaluation of Tomb I also highlights the importance of applying modern scientific techniques, such as radiocarbon dating and osteological analysis, to resolve historical questions. These methods allow researchers to obtain more precise information about human remains and their context, which can challenge previous interpretations based on archaeological finds and historical sources.

The presence of a woman and six babies suggests a different funerary context than that of a king assassinated under political circumstances.

In summary, the study suggests that Tomb I at Vergina does not contain the remains of Philip II, but rather those of a younger man, a woman, and six infants, raising new questions about the identity of these individuals and their burial context. This discovery underscores the need for continued research and re-evaluation of the archaeological evidence to better understand the ancient history of Macedonia.

A recent study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science has challenged the traditional identification of Tomb I at Vergina, Greece, as the final resting place of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great . Using radiocarbon analysis and osteological studies , the researchers suggest that the remains belong to a younger man , a woman, and six infants, contradicting the previous belief.