Lost Tombs

In search of history's greatest rulers

By JARRETT A. LOBELL and ERIC A. POWELL

August/September 2013

ruler-textThe improbable discovery last year of Richard III’s skeleton under a parking lot in Leicester, England, is a reminder that while some burials of great historical figures are lost to posterity, careful archaeological sleuthing could still bring them to light. The debate over where to rebury the notorious English king illustrates how important finding the physical remains of these lost rulers can be. And study of Richard III’s remains promises to add to our understanding of both the man himself and the time he lived in. Finding a ruler’s lost tomb may be the most romantic discovery possible in archaeology, but it can also be an opportunity to create a richer picture of ancient life.

 

Here are the stories behind the lost final resting places of seven great royal figures, which, if found, could give us exciting insights into our collective past. We’ve also added one burial to the list no archaeologist would ever seek out.


Nefertiti, Great Royal Wife and Queen of Egypt
Ruled ca. 1348-1330 B.C.
Alexander the Great, King of Macedon
Ruled 336-323 B.C.
Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni
Ruled A.D. 60
Alfred, King of Wessex
Ruled A.D. 871-899
Genghis Khan, Founder of the Mongol Empire
Ruled A.D. 1206-1227
Atahualpa, Last Inca Emperor
Ruled A.D. 1532-1533
Kamehameha I, King of Hawaii
Ruled A.D. 1795-1819
Tecumseh, Shawnee Leader
Ruled ca. A.D. 1789-1813
NEXT
1 2 3 4 5