In a striking discovery that adds another layer to the mystique of ancient Macedonia, a vibrant purple tunic believed to have belonged to Alexander the Great has been identified from fragments found in a tomb at Vergina, northern Greece.
Although this tunic wasn’t found in Alexander’s elusive tomb—still lost to history—it was uncovered in a tomb belonging to his half-brother, Philip III of Macedon, who apparently inherited it after Alexander died in 323 BC. This remarkable garment, known as the “mesoleucon sarapis,” was once thought to be a mere fragmentary relic, but new analysis reveals it matches the description of Alexander’s regal attire as recorded in ancient sources.
Led by Professor Antonios Bartsiokas of Democritus University of Thrace, the study presents evidence that the tunic’s opulent purple dye and cotton weave were crafted exclusively for the elite. This isn’t just any purple—it was a color reserved for royalty, painstakingly produced and prized in the ancient world. The tunic also features layers of whitish material derived from huntite, a mineral highly valued in Persian and Egyptian royal circles.
Bartsiokas points out that the garment’s composition aligns perfectly with historical records of the revered mesoleucon sarapis, a garment associated with Alexander himself, who also bore the title of Pharaoh after his conquests in Egypt.
The tunic fragments were first found in 1977 in “Tomb II” at Vergina, one of three grand burial sites from the Macedonian royal family. Originally, scholars misinterpreted the remains, some thinking it might be a mask due to its fragmented state, but Bartsiokas’ work has brought clarity. Tomb II, identified as Philip III’s resting place, also contained impressive relics like a golden scepter, an oak wreath, and a diadem, each reflecting Macedonian royalty’s opulence and legacy.
Alexander the Great’s lost TUNIC is found after 2,300 years https://t.co/mNJrxYcpfd
— Dr Sam Pappas (@DrSamPappas) October 31, 2024
The tomb arrangements have been a puzzle for decades. While many originally believed Tomb II belonged to Philip II—Alexander’s father—Bartsiokas’ prior research corrected this, revealing that Tomb I actually houses Philip II, complete with skeletal evidence of his known left knee injury.
This tomb also includes the remains of a woman and child, likely Philip II’s young wife Cleopatra and their newborn, victims of assassination in a grim chapter of Macedonian power struggles. The assumption that the woman was Philip III’s wife, Eurydice, persisted among scholars despite the historical note of Cleopatra’s tragic death, a “giveaway” that Bartsiokas says was overlooked.
Although Alexander’s resting place remains hidden, discoveries like this tunic give us glimpses into his legacy, the powerful bonds within his family, and the treasures they left behind. This tunic isn’t just fabric; it’s a woven testament to one of history’s greatest conquerors and the royal family that shaped ancient Macedonia.
