For all you lovers of historical fantasy – release the plot bunnies:
A skeleton has emerged from the Alexander the Great-era tomb in Amphipolis in northern Greece, according to a news announcement by the Greek Ministry of Culture on Wednesday. At least one archaeologist has suggested that the remains, if male, could belong to Hephaestion, a close friend and possible lover of Alexander the Great — or someone like him.
Archaeologists led by Katerina Peristeri found the human remains in a box-shaped grave. The 10.6 by 5.1-foot limestone burial was found at about 5.3 feet beneath the floor of the third chamber in the massive tomb site. Within the limestone grave, the archaeologists unearthed the remains of a wooden coffin, along with iron and copper nails, bone and glass fragments — most likely decorative elements of the coffin.
“Parts of the skeleton were found scattered within and outside of the grave. Obviously, an anthropological investigation will be carried on the remains,” the Greek ministry of culture said in a statement.