Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,600-year-old coffin believed to be linked to “Santa Claus” during an excavation.
In a remarkable find, archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered a coffin that they believe may belong to the original Santa Claus.
Archaeologists made this discovery in Demre, a town in Antalya province, where the St. Nicholas Church is located.
The site has been an excavation area for years.
Researchers believe it to be the final resting place of Saint Nicholas, a historical figure who inspired the modern-day Santa Claus.
Who was Saint Nicholas?
Saint Nicholas was a Christian bishop who lived during the fourth century.
People know him for his acts of kindness and generosity, particularly towards the poor.
According to history, he would secretly give gifts to those in need, including placing coins in the shoes of people who could not afford them.
His charitable deeds made him a beloved figure, and over time, he became associated with the celebration of Christmas.
Saint Nicholas passed away in 343 AD and they buried him at the location of what is now St. Nicholas Church.
The church has been a significant site for researchers and historians.
In the past, they moved his remains to a sarcophagus, especially after Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II commissioned a larger church to honor him.
However, thieves and Crusaders took many of his bones over the centuries, leading to various theories about his final resting place.
Archaeologists discover coffin believed to belong to original Santa Claus after 1,600 years
In December 2024, archaeologists discovered a limestone sarcophagus that could be linked to Saint Nicholas.
The excavation is part of the “Legacy for the Future Project,” led by Ebru Fatma Findik, an Associate Professor at Hatay Mustafa Kemal University.
The team discovered the coffin in a two-story annex of the church, and it measured six feet deep.
Initially, researchers realized they were on a burial site after uncovering animal bones and pieces of clay lamps.
The discovery of the sarcophagus excites archaeologists because it aligns with historical sources that suggest Saint Nicholas was buried there.
Findik noted that the presence of the coffin near the church could indicate they are close to locating his actual tomb.
Findik explained: “Some sources suggest that St. Nicholas was buried near the sacred area of the city of Myra.
“The fact that we have found a sarcophagus near the church, which is thought to house his tomb, may indicate that this is indeed the sacred area we have been searching for.”
Significance of the find
This discovery offers evidence supporting historical accounts of Saint Nicholas’s burial.
Researchers have uncovered only the sarcophagus lid but hope to find inscriptions confirming the buried identities.
An inscription would help clarify the historical period of the sarcophagus and could provide more context about Saint Nicholas’s life.
Findik expressed optimism about the ongoing excavation. She mentioned that the team aims to uncover more details about the burial site in the coming year.
“This is a significant archaeological confirmation of historical sources regarding the burial place of St. Nicholas,” the researcher added.
“Our biggest hope is to find an inscription on the sarcophagus,
“This would help clarify the burial contents and allow us to determine the exact period it dates to,” the expert added.
The legacy of Santa Claus
Saint Nicholas’s legacy influences the way people celebrate Christmas around the world.
The traditions associated with him have evolved, leading to the creation of the modern Santa Claus we know today.
Stories of Saint Nicholas’s generosity inspire the image of Santa with his sleigh, reindeer, and gift-giving spirit.
As researchers continue to explore the site in Demre, they hope to uncover more artifacts that could enhance our understanding of this historical figure.