A multidisciplinary team, led by anthropologist Gerhard Weber from the University of Vienna (Austria), analyzed a skull first unearthed in 1929 among the ruins of Ephesus, Turkey.
The skull was originally unearthed by Austrian archaeologist Josef Keil in a water-filled sarcophagus in the “Octogon”, a grand structure on Ephesus’ main street.
Subsequent excavations in 1982 recovered the remaining skeleton in a niche in the antechamber of the tomb.
Architectural similarities between the Octogon and the Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt have led to speculation that the skull is actually Arsinoë IV, youngest daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes and sister or half-sister of Cleopatra VII.
The skull was first unearthed in 1929 in Turkey
Historical records support this hypothesis, as Arsinoë IV was exiled to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, where she was executed by order of the triumvir Mark Antony in 41 BC. even at Cleopatra’s request.
Using advanced methods in evolutionary anthropology, archaeologists performed micro-CT scans, radiocarbon dating and a genetic analysis of the skull in question.
The studypublished in Scientific Reportsconcluded that, in fact, the skull discovered in Turkey dates back to between 36 and 205 BC. and belongs to a man, a fact confirmed by the presence of a Y chromosome.
This revelation closes the chapter on Arsinoe’s theory
In addition, the morphological studies carried out concluded that the remains belong to an adolescent boy, aged between 11 and 14 years, writes HeritageDaily.
He was also found to suffer from developmental abnormalities, including prematurely fused cranial sutures and significant jaw deformities, potentially caused by a vitamin D deficiency or genetic conditions such as Treacher Collins syndrome.
According to the authors of the new study, this revelation not only closes the chapter on the Arsinoë IV theory, but also opens the way for new research into the true occupant of the tomb discovered in Turkey and the ongoing search for Arsinoë’s remains.
We recommend you also read:
Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen who seduced two Roman generals
Cleopatra, one of the most fascinating women of all time
How did Cleopatra die?
A gift from Cleopatra, the first giraffe was brought to Europe by Caesar and nicknamed by the Romans “cameleopard”
Source: www.descopera.ro
