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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rebecca Whittaker

Surprising discovery at ancient Grecian burial ground

  • A tomb in Greece’s Vergina, previously thought to be the resting place of Alexander the Great's father, Philip II, likely contains the remains of a different man and a young woman.
  • Radiocarbon dating suggests the man and woman in the tomb lived between 388 and 356 BC, whereas Philip II died in 336 BC.
  • The man's age at death (25-35) also contradicts Philip II's age at death (around 46).
  • Six infants buried in the tomb between 150 BC and 130 AD are likely unrelated to the original occupants, suggesting it was reused during the Roman period, scientists say.
  • Analysis suggests the man spent his childhood away from the Macedonian capital, while the woman likely lived in the Vergina/Pella area her entire life.

IN FULL

Tomb thought to hold Alexander the Great’s father actually found to contain remains of young woman and six infants

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