Alexander's "tomb"...

[neneh]

I once read a tiny little article about the alleged discovery of Alexander's tomb in the Siwah oasis, but to be honest didn't take much notice. But when it turned out that it wasn't Alexander's tomb at all, I'm wondering if anyone could tell me what exactly was the find and why was it thought to be Alexander's tomb? Sorry if I'm asking for the obvious here, but the whole story kind of slipped past my attention.Kindest regards,Neneh

[susan]

This article gives some of the background.http://www.1stmuse.com/alex3/siwa.htmlSusan

[aen]

Anna,I had a look at the excavations in Miraqi a few years ago. Liana and co had long since absconded, and the temple structure they had dug up was under improvised lock and key, not to mention some aggressive armed security types. The oasis (Miraqi that is, not Siwa, which is about ten miles away) had clearly once been a Roman settlement, and those elements of the temple that were Hellenic in influence were late Hellenic. Disappointingly, the tomb she claimed to have found wasn't in evidence anywhere.Her team had covered over a portion of the complex as their site workshop and although it had been locked up, we managed to improvise a quick look about in there as well. Again there was no sign of the revelatory material she claimed to have uncovered. At that point the local security discovered us, and we made a rapid exit.If any Macedonian was entombed down there it's most likely they were a gubnatorial type of a later Ptolemaic period. As matters stand at present, however, we have yet to hear confirmation of any human remains being found in Miraqi. Liana Souvlatis remains very quiet on the issue. Personally, I think she got over-excited, jumped the gun, and lost her reputation completely as a result. A pity really, because often interested dilletantes/amateurs can have a very significant contribution to make; witness Schliemann.Laters.

[chris]

Hi SusanWhat a story - ATG would have a chuckle wouldn't he? Can you imagine, in 2300 years time people will be able to see film footage of todays events, and perhaps the location of ATGs grave will still be a mystery...Chris

[neneh]

Thanks both of you - that was interesting reading indeed.
I especially enjoyed this bit: "Mrs. Souvaltzi, who says she has received mystical guidance in her research, in part from snakes /../"
I'm still waiting for the day when snakes will guide me.Kindest regards,Neneh