The Mystery Of Cleopatra's Burial
Cleopatra, the last pharaoh of Egypt, saw much drama in her life. And even in her death, mystery surrounds her. It's been long believed Cleopatra and her lover, Mark Antony, were buried together, but historians debate where their tomb is.
Cleopatra and Mark Antony died separately; Cleopatra, allegedly, with a snake bite, and Mark Antony by his own sword, when their enemies surrounded them. The ancient historian Plutarch, per Ancient History Encyclopedia, wrote that the two were buried together, probably at Cleopatra's request, though Plutarch never revealed the location of their tomb. Most people think their final resting place is in Alexandria, a beloved city of the pharaohs, but most of which today lies under the sea. Some scientists, however, claim both are buried beneath the Temple of Taposiris Magna.
According to The Guardian, archaeologists working at the Taposiris temple for decades found two mummies buried there "of high-status individuals who lived at the time of Cleopatra." The team claims this is evidence that someone of great importance must lie in the temple, since nobility wants to be buried near royalty. Vintage News wrote the temple is located in what was once an important port 30 miles from Alexandria.
A secret that literally went to the grave
Other prominent Egyptologists still believe Cleopatra and Mark Antony's tomb is in Alexandria. Live Science reported that the chances of finding the grave is slim to none. They believe the tomb must have been closer to Cleopatra's palace in Alexandria, in a part of the city that is now underwater.
Despite the mummies found at the Temple of Taposiris Magna, no evidence tying Cleopatra to that site exists. In fact, Live Science pointed out that artifacts found in the temple look more religious than royal. Ancient History Encyclopedia said work is still ongoing at the temple, and so no conclusions can be drawn yet.
If Cleopatra's tomb is in Alexandria, and therefore now underwater, special equipment will be needed to look for it. No projects are underway currently to make that underwater search. Cleopatra fascinates so many people, and it's only fitting that even in death, she remains impressive. With her life in the spotlight for so long, wouldn't it add to her mystery if her final resting place stayed hidden?