Cleopatra's skull found?

W C FieldsApr 21st, 2009 - 15:07:10

Now hold your hippogriffs. This article claims that Cleopatra's skull has already been found. However it is not clear whether it was discovered in 1992, or if that is a typo relating to the opening of Tut's tomb. Where was the skull found? Why do they believe it to be Cleo's? If so, where is Antony? This is indeed a confusing article. Anyone care to enlighten us?
Thanks

Report this comment

TruebritApr 22nd, 2009 - 23:17:51

'The Taposiris Magna temple - which was built during the reign of King Ptolemy II in 30 B.C. - was recently identified as a likely site'

It is possible that Cleopatra's remains were interred here, rather than in Alexandria itself. Octavian's control of Egypt, or indeed of Rome, had not been fully consolidated at this time and a quiet burial of his late, yet still lamented opponents in some suitable but out-of-the-way place would have been politically convenient.

The remains of Cleopatra's half-sister, Arsinoe, have recently been identified positively. It may be possible to compare their morphology with this skull or even to conduct DNA testing with a view to establishing a link.

In one respect the article is inaccurate. Ptolemy II Philadelphus ruled from 285 - 246 BCE.

Report this comment

TruebritApr 22nd, 2009 - 23:22:26

Ah! see what you mean W.C. They don't seem to be too good with dating events. I think they're referring to the discovery of Tut's tomb in 1922, not 1992.

Report this comment