Major archaeology breakthrough as tomb of ‘real Santa Claus’ found in | World | News
The Greek Christian bishop Saint Nicholas was known for many miracles and, of course, his generosity in his practice of giving gifts, which is where we get Santa Claus from.
He lived in the ancient city of Myra, located in modern-day Turkey, and centuries following his death, the Byzantine Emperor, Theodosius II, had the Church of St. Nicholas built over the area where the Bishop served.
The body of the bishop was then exhumed, and he was reburied in the church before it was reportedly moved and enshrined as a sacred relic in the Southern Italian church Basilica di San Nicola.
However, archaeologists have now discovered a sarcophagus at the St Nicholas Church, where the bishop was originally buried.
The site has been part of significant findings for many years now, as excavation work has been happening at the Church since 1989.
Associate Professor Ebru Fatma Findik from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University is the one who is leading the work, as part of the “Legacy for the Future Project,” initiated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The most recent excavations which started two years ago have revealed a sarcophagus made from limestone. It measures around 2 metres in length and was suspected to be buried between 1.5 – 2 metres underground. The stone coffin featured a raised lid and pitched roof which is similar to the kind you would have found in the region.
There have been many questions in the past about the original burial site of Saint Nicholas and with the coffin being unearthed from the site suspected to be his original burial place, it leaves researchers closer to solving the mystery.
Professor Ebru Fatma Findik said: “Some sources suggest that St. Nicholas was buried near the sacred area of the city of Myra. The fact we have found a sarcophagus near the church, which is thought to house his tomb, may indicate that this is indeed the sacred area we have been searching for.
“This is a significant archaeological confirmation of historical sources regarding the burial place of St Nicholas.”
While the work continues, the groundbreaking discovery gives researchers the opportunity to find out more about the the noteable bishop and his significance in early Christianity, as well as discover more about his original burial site.
