A ‘Santa Claus’ sarcophagus believed to have been discovered during excavations

Although Santa Claus is often depicted flying through the sky on Christmas Eve, a team of archaeologists may have unearthed a sarcophagus containing the remains of a saint whose charitable spirit is still celebrated in the modern world more than 1,600 years later.

“We believe that we encountered the sarcophagus to be in situ (original position),” said associate professor Ebru Fatma Findik, who leads the excavation team at the Department of Fine Arts at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University.

This was found in the Church of St. Nicholas 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 during the fourth century.

“When we were drilling inside the building, we came across a surprising sarcophagus,” said Findik.

“We are working inside a 20-meter-tall two-story building that borders the churchyard from the south. This work, which is among a group of undecorated sarcophagus, is built of local stone and has a slightly raised barrel roof.”

The lid has a handle, Findik said, and the underground part of the sarcophagus, which is about 2 meters long, is about 1.5-2 meters high.

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“According to the first tests, its similarity to the types of sarcophagi in the region is surprising,” said Findik.

The sarcophagus is remarkably similar to that used in the fourth century. (Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)

He explained to A News, a Turkish news agency, that the exact place where Saint Nicholas was buried is still unclear.

“Some historical sources say that St. Nicholas was buried near the sanctuary of the city of Myra,” Fındık told A News.

“The discovery of a sarcophagus near the church, which is believed to be the resting place of St. Nicholas, may indicate that this place may be the holy place in question. We can say that we have reached archaeological evidence that confirms the historical sources. about the burial place of St. Nicholas in the holy place of the city.”

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Before the group reached the sarcophagus, they found some interesting artifacts.

The sarcophagus was found in a two-story building near 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 pieces of terracotta oil lamps and animal bones were unearthed before reaching the sarcophagus during the excavation,” said Findik.

Saint Nicholas, known for his acts of charity, was born in the third-century Greek village of Patara, now in the southern mountains of Turkey.

It is said that his rich parents died when he was young and he used his inheritance to help the needy and the poor, especially children.

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He served as bishop of Myra and died in 343 CE.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey believes that its team may have found the sarcophagus of Saint Nicholas. (iStock | Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey)

Almost 200 years after his death, his remains were taken to St Nicholas Church, which was built in his honour.

Findik said his team is looking forward to gathering more information as the excavation continues.

“The fact that a sarcophagus has been unearthed so close to the church that is thought to contain the tomb of St. Nicholas is very exciting for us,” said Findik.

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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 the tourism of our country.”