A fascinating discovery has turned the tale of Arsinoë IV, sister of Cleopatra, on its head. What was believed to be her skull, found in a sarcophagus in Ephesos, Turkey, actually belonged to a young boy. The research team determined that the boy was between 11 and 14 years old when he died and likely had a developmental disorder.
Back in 1929, Josef Keil stumbled upon the sarcophagus in the ruins of the “Octagon” building and took the skull back to Germany for analysis. Initially, Keil believed the remains belonged to a 20-year-old woman of aristocratic background. Fast forward to 1982, when the rest of the skeleton was found, and speculation arose that it might be Arsinoë IV. However, modern technology has now revealed the truth.
Through micro-CT imaging and genetic analysis, it was discovered that the skull dates back to between 36 and 205 BCE, aligning with Arsinoë IV’s timeline. But here’s the twist – the skull actually belonged to a young boy with a Y chromosome. Further examination revealed signs of a growth disorder, possibly caused by a vitamin-D deficiency or genetic syndrome.
This newfound identity raises questions about the architectural similarities between the Octagon and Egyptian structures, as well as the whereabouts of the real Arsinoë IV. The mystery continues, but one thing is certain – the truth behind this ancient burial site is more intriguing than fiction. The study, published in Scientific Reports, sheds light on a previously unknown individual and opens up new avenues for archaeological exploration.
