A fragment of cloth unearthed in a royal tomb in Greece has sparked a heated debate among historians and archaeologists, with recent claims suggesting it may have once been part of a tunic worn by Alexander the Great. The assertion, made by Professor Emeritus Antonis Bartsiokas of Democritus University of Thrace, challenges long-standing assumptions about the tomb’s occupants and its artefacts. Found in 1977 near Vergina, a site historically associated with the Macedonian royal dynasty, the cloth’s origins and significance remain subjects of intense scrutiny.
A Royal Connection: Alexander, Philip III, and the Tomb
The tomb in question has traditionally been linked to Philip II, Alexander’s father. However, Bartsiokas has proposed an alternate theory, arguing that the tomb actually belongs to Alexander’s half-brother, Philip III Arrhidaeus, and his wife, Eurydice.
Philip III Arrhidaeus, who ascended to the throne after Alexander’s death, ruled in name only due to his limited mental capacity. Bartsiokas suggests that the cloth may have originally been part of Alexander the Great’s attire, passed down to Arrhidaeus as a symbol of royal continuity.
The cloth fragment was found within a gold chest, dyed purple—a color reserved for royalty—and interwoven with cotton and huntite, a combination resembling garments worn by Persian kings. This detail aligns with the timeline of Alexander’s conquests in Persia, further fueling speculation about its origins.
Published Findings and Supporting Evidence
Bartsiokas’ findings, published in the Journal of Field Archaeology, draw upon multiple sources:
•Historical Records: Documented practices of reusing royal garments within the Macedonian dynasty.
•Wall Art: Tomb frescoes depicting motifs associated with Philip III and his wife, Eurydice.
•Material Analysis: The use of cotton and huntite suggests a Persian influence, consistent with Alexander’s era.
This research reignites the debate over the tomb’s identity and the true ownership of its artefacts, challenging decades of accepted archaeological interpretations.
The Scholarly Debate: Diverging Perspectives
Bartsiokas’ claims have divided the academic community. Some scholars see the findings as plausible, while others remain skeptical:
Supporters
•Professor Susan Rotroff (Washington University): Found Bartsiokas’ hypothesis reasonable, pointing out that the cotton fibres fit the timeline of Alexander’s campaigns in Persia.
•Professor Richard Janko (University of Michigan): Acknowledged the research as intriguing but cautioned that cotton could have been imported into Greece earlier through trade.
Critics
•Hariclia Brecoulaki (National Hellenic Research Foundation): Argued that the cloth may not be a tunic but rather a ceremonial wrapping for bones.
•Athanasia Kyriakou (Vergina excavation director): Criticised the methodology, noting Bartsiokas did not directly examine the cloth, calling the conclusions speculative.
The contrasting interpretations underscore the complexity of identifying ancient artefacts and their provenance.
The Tomb’s Enduring Mysteries
The Vergina tomb has been a focal point of archaeological intrigue for decades. Whether it belongs to Philip II, Philip III Arrhidaeus, or another royal figure, it continues to offer valuable insights into Macedonian culture and history.
Bartsiokas’ hypothesis has reignited interest in the site, with the potential to rewrite aspects of Alexander the Great’s legacy and the posthumous significance of his possessions.