Where is Cleopatra’s sister? Ancient tomb’s secret finally revealed — but bigger mystery remains

VIENNA –– For nearly a century, archaeologists and historians believed a well-preserved skull discovered in an ancient Turkish tomb belonged to an Egyptian princess. New research has definitively proven otherwise, revealing instead the remains of a young boy who likely struggled with significant developmental issues.

In 1929, Austrian archaeologist Josef Keil and his colleagues made an intriguing discovery during excavations at the Octagon monument in Ephesos (modern-day Turkey): a water-filled marble sarcophagus containing a skeleton. Keil removed only the skull before resealing the tomb, taking it back to Greifswald, Germany, where he served as a professor. The skull, accompanied by a yellowed note simply stating “Skull from Ephesus,” eventually followed Keil to the University of Vienna when he accepted a new position there.

Initial examinations led scholars to believe the remains belonged to “a very distinguished person,” likely a 20-year-old woman from ancient aristocracy. This assessment, combined with the tomb’s location and architectural style, sparked theories that the skeleton belonged to Princess Arsinoë IV, the younger half-sister of Cleopatra VII who was reportedly executed in Ephesos around 41 BC.

The mystery deepened in 1982 when the rest of the skeleton surfaced during new excavations — not in the original sarcophagus, but in a niche in the tomb’s antechamber. This unusual circumstance added another layer of complexity to the already puzzling case.

Now, an international research team led by anthropologist Gerhard Weber from the University of Vienna has applied modern scientific techniques to solve this archaeological mystery. Using high-resolution micro-CT scanning at 80 micrometers — similar to medical CT scans but far more detailed — they created precise 3D images of the skull. They also extracted DNA samples from the skull’s base and inner ear, and performed radiocarbon dating.

Their findings, published in Scientific Reports, paint a dramatically different picture. The skull belonged to an 11-14-year-old child who lived between 205 and 36 BC. “But then came the big surprise: in repeated tests, the skull and femur both clearly showed the presence of a Y chromosome – in other words, a male,” explains Weber.

DNA analysis showed his ancestors came from the Italian peninsula or Sardinia region, not Egypt. This revelation completely dismantles the long-held Arsinoë hypothesis.

The detailed examination revealed the boy suffered from significant developmental challenges. His skull showed noticeable asymmetry, meaning one side developed differently than the other. His upper jaw was underdeveloped and positioned unusually, which likely caused difficulties with basic functions like chewing and speaking.

Most telling were the clues found in his teeth. His first permanent molar, typically one of the earliest adult teeth to emerge and begin functioning, showed no signs of ever being used for chewing. Meanwhile, one of his later-emerging premolars showed significant wear and damage. This unusual pattern suggests he may have had serious problems with his jaw alignment and bite.

Scientists identified several possible causes for these developmental issues. The boy may have suffered from vitamin D deficiency, or possibly Treacher Collins syndrome – a genetic condition that can cause similar facial features and developmental patterns.

By analyzing DNA from both the skull and other bones found in the tomb, scientists confirmed they all came from the same person. This genetic analysis also revealed his Italian or Sardinian heritage, not surprising given the strong Roman presence in Ephesos during this period.

This discovery raises intriguing new questions: Why was a young boy with developmental challenges buried in such a prominent monument? The Octagon stood in the heart of ancient Ephesos, suggesting the child held some significance despite his physical challenges. While Roman culture could sometimes be harsh toward those with disabilities, this careful burial indicates he may have come from an important family who ensured he received a dignified resting place.

The study reopens a historical chapter for archaeologists, while creating an entirely new story in the process. With Arsinoë IV’s final resting place remaining unknown, researchers can resume that search and also focus on understanding this young boy’s story and his place in the social fabric of ancient Ephesos.