“We do not know where the body of Alexander, but his tomb is definitely in Alexandria”
When did your archaeological endeavors in Alexandria commence?
The journey began in 1996 when I attended a conference in Alexandria titled “Alexander and Alexandria”. This event sparked my interest and led me to permanently settle in this city to pursue my work. In 2000, I founded the Hellenic Institute of Alexandrian Culture (HRIAC) with the help of the local Greek community and other notable individuals. My first excavation took place in 1998 at a site known as Terra Sancta, situated near the Tomb of Alabaster, a relatively obscure Hellenistic monument. This monument is an antechamber of a Macedonian tomb constructed entirely of alabaster. Subsequent investigations were carried out at the city’s Jewish Cemetery, though no excavations could be performed for obvious reasons. Since 2007, I have been conducting excavations at Salalat Park, which is also featured in a documentary about Alexander. We discovered a statue of Alexander in the park in 2009, a year when our work was temporarily halted due to the civil unrest that ensued in Egypt during the Arab Spring.
Indeed, I’ve encountered numerous fascinating theories! The widespread interest is quite heartening, as it seems everyone desires to claim Alexander’s tomb as part of their local heritage. One thing is certain, the original tomb was located in Alexandria’s royal square.
– What makes this location unique?
This part of Hellenistic Alexandria was part of the royal square, the royal district. This area housed the Ptolemies’ palaces and several significant public buildings, as referenced by ancient authors, particularly Strabo. These notable structures included the famous Library, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Arsinoion, a temple dedicated to Isis, the royal tombs, and the Museum. The latter was not a museum in the modern sense, but rather a type of university dedicated to the arts and letters, hence the name, which means “cultivation of the muses”. This institution was directly linked to the Library, of which, regrettably, no trace has been found. Excavations in Alexandria seldom reach the Hellenistic layer lying ten meters below the surface, due to the water table. This issue also presents itself at Salalat, where we continuously pump water to manage the situation.
– What are the most significant discoveries to date?
The most remarkable finding is undoubtedly the marble statue of Alexander, which I mentioned earlier. This early Hellenistic piece closely dates back to Alexander’s lifetime, and I believe it portrays his genuine likeness, as opposed to the idealized versions crafted during Roman times. While we can’t be completely certain, as the statue lacks a signature or any other identifying marks, its form closely aligns with the original depictions of Alexander, as seen in the painting of Vergina and other works from the same period.
In May 2022, I hosted a conference in Alexandria, dedicated to this very statue. The majority of the scholars who attended found this version to be highly plausible. The statue is now on display at the city’s Greco-Roman Museum.
Furthermore, we have discovered the foundations of an extensive public building, which we are still in the process of excavating. We’re yet to fully understand its purpose. We’ve also uncovered one of Alexandria’s primary Roman roads, known as L2. This road was the first parallel to the city’s main road during that period. Recently, we discovered a significant portion of R1, the primary vertical road that linked the seaport with the palaces to the lake port. This road intersected with the horizontal road and its discovery was of great significance, as the intersection of these two main roads was the city’s center. It’s important to note that the Alexandria of that time was significantly different from the Alexandria of today, due in part to the tributaries of the Nile.
– I’m curious, was Alexander’s Mausoleum also located there? I ask because, at times, other locations like the oasis of Shiva, Babylon, Vergina, Amphipolis, and others have been suggested as potential burial sites.
Indeed, I’ve heard some quite remarkable theories myself! It’s touching, in a way, as everyone seems to want Alexander’s tomb in their vicinity. What we do know for certain is that, originally, it was located in the royal square of Alexandria. This information is corroborated by ancient writers. Whether his body remains there is unknown to us, but according to all accounts, the tomb existed and was accessible until the 3rd century AD. This was during the time of conflicts between Christians and Pagans, Romans and locals, Orthodox and Monophysites, etc., which was then followed by the Arab conquest. After this period, all traces of the tomb were lost. We don’t know what became of the monument, but we are certain that his body was there. It’s likely that the priests, who were responsible for its upkeep – let’s not forget that Alexander was worshipped as a god – hid it somewhere safe.
– Yes, I recall you mentioning this in the documentary. By the way, what was your opinion of it?
Firstly, I should clarify that I had no involvement in the writing or directing of the documentary – my role was solely related to my area of expertise. Apart from the scene depicting Alexander and Hephaestion kissing, which I felt was overly dramatized and included more for its entertainment value, I found it to be a serious production. While it wasn’t devoid of errors and inaccuracies, it generally adhered to the true historical path of Alexander. We must remember that this is a commercial film, intended for a global audience in a popularized format, and not a strictly scientific documentary. Therefore, it’s only natural that it takes certain liberties. However, the sections featuring the perspectives of historians and archaeologists were thoroughly serious and well researched.
– Given the controversy surrounding that scene, do we have any solid proof of Alexander’s sexuality?
We don’t have any definitive evidence on this matter. Hephaestion was undeniably Alexander’s closest and dearest friend. They grew up together, were inseparable, and Hephaestion accompanied him everywhere until the end – these are indisputable facts. As for whether there was another dimension to their relationship, we simply don’t know, and it’s not particularly relevant. We’re discussing a different historical and cultural context.
– Does the Greek state support your work, and do you have any contact with them?
My relationship with the Greek state is quite distant! The former President of the Republic, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, honored me with a visit to the Salalat excavation site, and the current Prime Minister, Mr. Mitsotakis, graced the Greco-Roman Museum in 2022 to view the statue of Alexander. Those were our only interactions. Yet, I’m not complaining – I strive to do my best for my country without expecting anything in return, as the saying goes. The expatriate community has been supportive; they now consider me one of their own after all these years. Despite initial skepticism and challenges from the Egyptian authorities, due to my being a foreign woman, our collaboration has greatly improved, and Egypt has become my second home! And of course, I will continue the work I began here for as long as I am able and willing.
– Towards the end of the documentary, you mention some of the lampstands found at the excavation site that were offerings to Alexander. What significance does he hold today in the collective consciousness of the inhabitants of the city he founded?
Indeed, some of these lampstands served practical purposes, while others were religious offerings. Alexander still holds a position of reverence in Egypt’s popular culture, particularly in Alexandria, where he is viewed as a god, pharaoh, and hero. The Egyptians understand from their history that Alexander didn’t come to their country as a conqueror, but as a pilgrim, as the documentary accurately portrays. This endeared him to them and significantly influenced his legacy.
