EGYPT: ALEXANDER THE GREAT'S TOMB DISCOVERY

(2 Feb 1995) English/Nat

Alexander the Great was a king at age 20 and conquered most of the ancient world from Greece to India before he died at 33. But where he was buried has remained a mystery for more than 2,300 years.

Now a Greek archaeological team believes it has found his tomb in Egypt's Western desert near the oasis of Siwa, where legend holds Alexander once consulted an oracle who told him he was a god.

The Sheik of Siwa calls the faithful to prayer.

This tiny little oasis village, only an hours drive from Libya has become a site for royalty and greatness... And while the sheik calls the living there are those who are looking for the dead, searching in the ancient ruins of the past.

They say Alexander the Great is buried here, in the same place where he consulted the oracle of Amun who told him that he was the son of a god.

SOUNDBITE:
We are sure... we are sure. we have a unique monument. There is no such monument in the whole of Egypt. There isn't such a big tomb even in Greece... It is typical Greek,
Macedonian royal tomb...
SUPER CAPTIONS: Liana Souvaltizi Head of Archaeologists

But sceptics of this claimed discovery maintain that Alexander the Great was buried in the city which he founded - the Egyptian city of Alexandria.

SOUNDBITE:
What evidence can you show us to prove that Alexander the Great is really buried here?

SOUNDBITE:
The inscriptions... The inscriptions! we have all the details from the scriptures.
SUPER CAPTION: Liana Souvaltizi Head of Archaeologists

While the pit in which archaeologists are working on may not look too impressive, there is evidence of a secret chamber hidden beneath the desert sand.

It was the discovery of two limestone plaques written in Greek which tell the story of how Ptolemy, one of Alexander's aides and his successor, brought his master's body to the tomb and buried him here.

So what's going to happen to this place now that archaeologists believe they have solved the mystery of where Alexander is resting?

SOUNDBITE:
Q: What's up? What are you doing in Siwa?
A: We are vacationing .
Q: You like this place?
A: I love this place actually
Q: What's the biggest attraction here?
A: How friendly the people are just outright friendly... there are heaps of sights here, They just made some new discovery of Alexander the Greats tomb"
SUPER CAPTION: Voxpop

In fact Siwans have been putting all their efforts into putting their town onto the tourist map.

The latest discovery is being welcomed by the locals around here.

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