While Santa Claus is often depicted flying through the night sky on Christmas Eve, a team of archaeologists may have unearthed a sarcophagus containing the remains of the saint whose spirit of generosity is still celebrated in the modern world more than 1,600 years later.
“We believe that for the first time we have come across a sarcophagus that is in situ (original position),” said Associate Professor Ebru Fatma Findik, who leads the excavation team of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University’s Department of Art History.
The discovery was made at St. Nicholas Church in the Demre district of Antalya, Turkey, as part of an excavation initiated by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
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The sarcophagus was found in the two-story annex of the church, which is believed to be the original burial place of Saint Nicholas, a bishop who lived in the ancient city of Myrna in the fourth century.
During an excavation in Turkey, a sarcophagus was discovered which is believed to be the burial place of Saint Nicholas. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)
“While drilling into the structure we came across a surprising sarcophagus,” Findik said.
“We are working in the 20-metre-long, two-storey building that borders the church courtyard from the south. This work, among the undecorated sarcophagus group, is made of local stone and has a slightly high barrel roof.”
The lid has a handle, Findik said, and the underground portion of the roughly 7-foot-long sarcophagus is estimated to be 5 to 7 feet high.
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“According to the first evaluations, the similarity with the types of sarcophagi in the region is striking,” Findik added.
The sarcophagus looks remarkably similar to the sarcophagus used in the fourth century. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)
She explained to A News, a Turkish news agency, that the exact location of Sinterklaas’ funeral remains uncertain.
“Some historical sources mention that Saint Nicholas was buried near the sacred area of Myra city,” Fındık told A News.
“The discovery of a sarcophagus near the church, believed to be the resting place of St Nicholas, could indicate that this site could indeed be the sacred area in question. We can say that we have found archaeological evidence that confirms historical sources. about the cemetery of Saint Nicholas in the sacred area of the city.’
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Before the team reached the sarcophagus, they found other interesting artifacts.
The sarcophagus was discovered in the two-story building next to the church and is believed to be the burial place of Saint Nicholas. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)
“In addition, many fragments of terracotta oil lamps and animal bones were unearthed before reaching the sarcophagus during drilling,” Findik said.
Known for his generosity, Saint Nicholas was born in the third-century Greek village of Patara, now located on the southern coast of Turkey.
It is said that his wealthy parents died when he was young and he used his inheritance to help the needy and suffering, especially children.
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He served as Bishop of Myra and died in 343 CE.
The Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism believes its team may have discovered Saint Nicholas’ sarcophagus. (iStock | Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)
About 200 years after his death, his remains were moved to St. Nicholas Church, which was built in his honor.
Findik said her team looks forward to gathering more information as the excavation progresses.
“The fact that a sarcophagus has been excavated near the church, which probably contains the grave of Saint Nicholas, fascinates us enormously,” Findik said.
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“As part of the project, we will be happy to complete the excavation and restoration of the area where the sarcophagus is located and contribute to tourism in our country.”
