Excavations near ancient Turkish port may have found Alexander the Great’s soldiers tombs - report

Rescue excavations at the ancient city of Aigai's necropolis in Turkey may have uncovered tombs of Alexander the Great's soldiers, according to the Turkish state-run Andalou Agency. The excavations, coordinated by Turkey's Culture and Tourism Ministry, have identified at least 30 rock-cut tombs and chest-type graves, with 10 fully uncovered so far.

Rescue excavations at the ancient city of Aigai's necropolis in Turkey may have uncovered the tombs of Alexander the Great's soldiers, according to the Turkish state-run Andalou Agency (AA). The excavations, coordinated by Turkey's Culture and Tourism Ministry and carried out by the Adana Museum Directorate, have focused on the necropolis area closest to the ancient city's port. An initial survey identified at least 30 rock-cut tombs and chest-type graves scattered across the site, with only 10 fully uncovered so far. The tombs are carved into the hillside with narrow corridors and staircases leading to burial chambers where stone platforms mark where bodies were placed. The chest-type tombs were finished with lime mortar, and decorative rosette motifs remain visible on several. Terracotta sarcophagi were also found. Associate Professor Faris Demir, directing the excavations, stated the necropolis dates to the Hellenistic period (323-31 BCE) and remained in use through the Roman era, with damage likely accumulating from the Middle Ages onward. The region around Aigai is believed to be where Alexander prepared for the Battle of Issus in 333 BCE. According to Demir, Aigai was founded by Macedonian soldiers for Alexander, raising the possibility that some of the newly uncovered tombs may belong to those soldiers, though further study is needed. Vessel fragments and tear bottles thought to be grave offerings were also unearthed and are expected to be displayed at the Adana Museum after restoration.