Archaeologists in Greece have reportedly found what may be the chiton (tunic) of Alexander the Great.
The team, led by Antonis Bartziokas from Democritus University of Thrace, found a piece of purple fabric at a royal tomb in the small northern Greek town of Vergina.
The finding, published in the Journal of Field Archaeology, said it matches the ancient descriptions the sarapis, a ceremonial garment worn by Persian kings, which Alexander adopted after his victory over Darius III of Persia.
The material was discovered in the golden ossuary of Tomb II alongside the remains of a man and a gold wreath.
After analysis it was concluded that the piece was of eastern origin, containing material and minerals used in ancient Persia.
Also found in the tomb were a golden diadem, a sceptre and a golden oak wreath, all of which are mentioned in historical sources as part of Alexander’s royal regalia.
This discovery has major implications on who the tomb belonged to. Many of the objects found belonged to Alexander the Great, rather than his father Philip II.
It was long believed the tomb belonged to Philip II, but research suggests the tomb housed the remains of Alexander’s half-brother Philip III Arrhidaeus, who assumed the throne after Alexander died, although he severed only as a figurehead.