According to the Greek Reporter, archeologists in Central Macedonia, at a site in Ancient Stagira (also: Stagitra, Stagrius, Stageira), say that they have discovered the final resting place of famed Greek philosopher, writer, and all-around wicked important thinker, Aristotle. They believe that they have uncovered a 2,400-year-old tomb that housed the ashes of the historic figure. This revelation comes after 20 years of excavating the site.
Aristotle was born in Stagira in 384 BC and died in Chalcis, Evia, at 322 BC. The great philosopher was originally believed to have been buried at Chalcis, however, archaeologists are now certain that the tomb they have found belongs to Aristotle. Two literary sources indicate that the people of Stagira may have transferred his ashes to his birthplace.
The mounded domed tomb has a marble floor dated to the Hellenistic period. It is located in the center of Stagira, near the Agora, with 360-degree views. The public character of the tomb is evident by its location alone, however archaeologists also point to a hurried construction that was later topped with quality materials. There is an altar outside the tomb and a square-shaped floor.
The tomb’s above ground structure had been destroyed by the Byzantines (which is something they used to do), and had been replaced with another structure.
The top of the dome is at 10 meters and there is a square floor surrounding a Byzantine tower. A semi-circle wall stands at two-meters in height. A pathway leads to the tomb’s entrance for those that wished to pay their respects. Other findings included ceramics from the royal pottery workshops and fifty coins dated to the time of Alexander the Great.
In this Tweet you can see the site as it is now, on the right, with a digital rendering of the structure that may have once stood, housing Aristotle on the left.
x#Greece#Macedonia Ancient Stageira:Location of Aristotle's tomb revealed at #Thessaloniki ! https://t.co/RpYYrQQPtdpic.twitter.com/drbXrkBE1a
— Christos G Failadis (@xfailadis) May 26, 2016