Where is Cleopatra buried?

The tomb of Antony and Cleopatra is the undiscovered burial crypt of Mark Antony and Cleopatra VII from 30 BC assumed to be located near Alexandria, Egypt. According to historians Suetonius and Plutarch, the Roman leader Octavian permitted their burial together after he had defeated them.



That is one of history’s greatest unsolved mysteries. The location of Cleopatra VII’s tomb is unknown and has never been found.

However, there is a compelling and recent archaeological theory that has gained significant attention.

The Traditional Belief & The Ancient Account

The main historical source is the Roman writers Plutarch and Cassius Dio. They record that after Cleopatra and Mark Antony died by suicide in 30 BCE following their defeat by Octavian (the future Emperor Augustus), Octavian allowed them to be buried together, as Cleopatra had wished.

The key details from Plutarch are: Their tomb was located near a temple of the Egyptian goddess Isis. It was a lofty and beautiful monument. It contained rich treasures and gold.

The exact location, however, was not specified. For centuries, it was assumed to be in or near Alexandria, the capital of Ptolemaic Egypt. However, much of ancient Alexandria is now underwater or under the modern city, making exploration difficult. Many royal tombs from that period have never been found.

The Leading Modern Theory: Taposiris Magna

Since 2005, a team led by Dominican archaeologist Dr. Kathleen Martínez has been excavating at Taposiris Magna, a temple complex about 45 kilometers (28 miles) west of Alexandria.

Why this site is considered a strong candidate: 1. Dedicated to Isis and Osiris: Cleopatra, the last pharaoh, strategically associated herself with the goddess Isis. A temple to Isis/Osiris fits Plutarch’s description perfectly. 2. Significant Discoveries: Excavations have revealed: A vast, untouched

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