Tomb of Alexander the Great in Egypt: New Archaeological Evidence, Ongoing Mysteries

With the Grand Egyptian Museum scheduled to open in late 2025, the age-old mystery surrounding "the final resting place of Alexander the Great" continues to captivate historians and archaeologists worldwide. Uncovering his tomb would not only rewrite significant chapters of Egyptian history but also serve as a major promotional milestone for the museum’s inauguration.

 Historical Evidence: Egypt as the Core

Most historical records indicate that after Alexander’s death in Babylon in 323 BCE, his body was transported to Egypt by his general Ptolemy I. The initial burial is said to have taken place in Memphis, and years later the remains were transferred to Alexandria, where a royal mausoleum was built in the heart of the Hellenistic city he founded. Throughout the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, Alexander’s tomb was a global pilgrimage site, visited by prominent emperors such as Julius Caesar and Augustus.

Contemporary Archaeological Research: Where Does the Search Stand?

- Modern archaeological missions—especially the Greek expedition led by researcher Lemenios Papakosta—have focused on the Shalalat Gardens area, close to the Alexandria National Museum. Topographical maps and ancient sources suggest that this site was part of the city’s royal district.

- In 2009, a statue believed to be Alexander the Great was unearthed in the area. The expedition’s ongoing discoveries of ancient architectural remains add weight to the theory that the royal complex existed there and suggest the mysterious tomb may lie nearby, although excavations have so far found no conclusive evidence of the mausoleum itself.

Challenges and Hopes

Archaeologists face immense challenges: high groundwater levels and the overlap between modern Alexandria and its ancient remains. While all signs point to the tomb’s existence beneath the current city, its elusive presence calls for continued excavations. The search remains active, and the world eagerly anticipates a major breakthrough.

The Grand Museum and the Impact of Discovery

The story of Alexander’s tomb provides an exceptional opportunity to spotlight the upcoming Grand Egyptian Museum, which will showcase thousands of rare artifacts representing Egypt’s ancient civilization. Dedicated spaces will highlight the Hellenistic era that Alexander himself inaugurated. If the location of his tomb is discovered, it will create global buzz and dramatically increase Egypt’s appeal to both researchers and tourists, potentially becoming a cornerstone of museum marketing campaigns.

To date, the tomb of Alexander the Great has not been definitively located in Egypt. However, all research and modern archaeological evidence strongly suggest that his final resting place lies beneath modern-day Alexandria. The quest continues—and there is great hope that a historic discovery will coincide with the celebrations marking the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, heralding a new era of international attention on Egypt’s unique heritage.