Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass and a team of researchers claim to have found the possible burial site of Cleopatra's remains. If true, it would be the biggest archaeological discovery since the tomb of Tutankhamen was found in 1922.Times Online: Egyptians hope to find Cleopatra's tomb (April 16, 2009) Archaeologists from Egypt and the Dominican Republic plan to start digging on the site by fall of 2009.
The Hidden Tunnel
A team led by Hawass has found a 400 foot tunnel underneath the Tamposiris Magna temple near Alexandria, Egypt. He said that coins etched with Cleopatra's face and many statues in her image were found in the temple and its surrounding tunnels. Also, Hawass found a bust of her lover Mark Antony, and he believes the two may share their final resting place.
Deaths of Antony and Cleopatra
According to legend, ill-fated Cleopatra and her lover Mark Antony committed suicide. She is said to have killed herself with the self-inflicted bite of a poisonous snake. Mark Antony is said to have died by his own sword.
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Fast Facts
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Temple located 28 miles west of Alexandria
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Team of 12 archaeologists, and 70 excavators
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Found 400 foot tunnel, entrance reported to be covered with water
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May contain bodies of Mark Antony and Cleopatra
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Story of Antony and Cleopatra was dramatized by William Shakespeare in 1600s
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Dig could be delayed until fall 2009 for security reasons
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Temple overlooks Mediterranean summer home of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak
