Archaeologists Think They May Have Found Cleopatra’s Tomb
(ReliableNews.org) – Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, widely known as simply Cleopatra, was born in Egypt around 70 BCE. She served as the country’s queen for 22 years until her death at the age of 39. Archaeologists over the years have tried to locate her tomb but have been unsuccessful in their quest. On November 7, the Daily Mail reported researchers uncovered a tunnel underneath the Taposiris Magna Temple. They believe the walkway may lead to the former leader’s long-lost resting place.
Details About the Tunnel
Archeologists categorized the tunnel as a “geometric miracle,” expanding six feet high and over 4,800 feet long. The tunnel is revered as one of the “most important engineering achievements of the Classical world.”
Archaeologist Kathleen Martinez of the University of San Domingo has long believed Cleopatra and Marc Antony were buried beneath the Taposiris Magna Temple near Egypt’s former capital — Alexandria. Unfortunately, the last 10 years of searching have left her empty-handed. She believes there’s a “good chance” the influential Pharaoh lies somewhere at the end of the newly discovered tunnel. If so, Martinez said finding her remains would be the “most important discovery” of the century, saying if there’s a possibility her body is down there, she’s obligated to find it.
Cleopatra and Marc Antony
Cleopatra ascended to the throne upon her father, King Ptolemy XII Auletes’ death, becoming the last queen of the Macedonian dynasty. She had a son, Ptolemy XV Caesar, while married to her brother and having an affair with Julius Caesar. After his assassination, she met Marc Antony, who was also married and in control of many of Rome’s territories. The pair began a relationship that had political ramifications for that part of the world and resulted in the birth of twins Alexander Helios and Cleopatra Selene. Although separated for years, the couple reunited, spending years together amid many scandals.
While at war, Antony was told Cleopatra was dead, so he took his own life. After burying him, she killed herself as well. Rumor has it, she negotiated with Octavian, Julius Caesar’s son, to be buried with her lover. The queen evidently wanted to “reenact the legend of Isis and Osiris,” two gods in love who are said to be spending eternity together in the afterlife.
So, if the Egyptian queen is lying somewhere at the end of the newly discovered tunnel, it’s likely Antony is at her side.
Do you think this could be the discovery of a lifetime?
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