The Search for Alexander the Great’s Tomb: Current Archaeological Efforts and Underwater Discoveries

As one of history's most renowned conquerors, Alexander the Great has long captivated scholars and enthusiasts. The search for his tomb continues to be a topic of intense interest, with several archaeological teams deducing potential locations and conducting rigorous investigations. This article delves into the current status of these efforts and highlights the findings of prominent researchers.

New Excavations and Historical Insights

As of August 2023, several archaeological teams and researchers remain dedicated to locating the tomb of Alexander the Great. One of the most notable figures in these searches is Dr. Kathleen Martinez, an archaeologist who has conducted extensive excavations in Alexandria, Egypt. Martinez and her team have been exploring a site believed to be the potential location of a large tomb. Despite various claims and discoveries, no definitive evidence has been confirmed to date.

Dr. Martinez’s ongoing excavation in Alexandria highlights the ongoing nature of such pursuits. New findings or initiatives often emerge, and it is crucial to stay informed through recent news articles and archaeological reports.

Underwater Archaeological Discoveries: Evidence and Speculation

Surprisingly, some researchers believe that the tomb of Alexander the Great may even be located underwater, a hypothesis that emerged from the impressive discoveries made by Franck Goddio, a French underwater archaeologist. Goddio has been instrumental in uncovering several submerged sites, including the city of Thonis-Heracleion, located 7 kilometers off the Egyptian shore in Aboukir Bay.

Goddio’s work in the region has yielded remarkable results. He has excavated the submerged sites of Eastern Canopus and Antirhodos, which were part of Alexandria’s ancient royal port, the Portus Magnus. The Portus Magnus was abandoned and left as an open bay after an 8th-century earthquake, and much of this area is now beneath the sea.

Additional Insights and Resources

The FRANCK GODDIO SOCIETY homepage, Antirhodos, and other related resources provide additional information on the historical context and ongoing archaeological work in this fascinating area. Descriptions from classical antiquity highlight the significance of Antirhodos and the extent of Alexandria’s ancient port.

Strabo’s account of the island in 27 BC mentions a royal house on Antirhodos, adding to the intrigue surrounding this location. The detailed reconstruction of the palace area in Alexandria and the Raising Alexandria project further underscore the complexity of these historical sites.

For those interested in diving deeper into these discoveries, the Alexandria Centre for Maritime Archaeology has numerous resources and publications available. These include a preliminary survey of the Eastern Harbor and documents related to the port of Alexandria.

While the actual location of Alexander the Great's tomb remains elusive, the ongoing work of dedicated researchers continues to uncover new insights and history. The integration of underwater archaeology and modern excavation techniques provides a unique window into the past, suggesting that the tomb may indeed be hidden in the waters off the Egyptian coast.