Adilos Tafos The Unmarked Tomb of Alexander the Great Kindle Edition by Ioannis Prokopis (Author)

 Adilos Tafos The Unmarked Tomb of Alexander the Great Kindle Edition by Ioannis Prokopis (Author)

Adilos Tafos is a historical novel that delves into one of the greatest unresolved mysteries of world history: the final resting place of Alexander the Great. The story begins in 215 AD in Pieria, where a Roman emperor pays tribute to the Macedonian conqueror, fulfilling Alexander’s original wish to be buried in his homeland. An unexpected archaeological discovery sets off a quest for the lost tomb, leading the protagonist through an exploration that blends historical sources, ancient literature, folklore, and modern scientific research.

Author’s Purpose

The aim of the book is to promote ancient history and to inspire especially younger readers to reconnect with classical literature. Using accessible language enriched with elements of history, mythology, philosophy, and fiction, the novel offers a multi-layered reading experience. The tomb theory is therefore presented as a narrative journey rather than an academic study.

Historical Background

What is historically documented:

• Alexander the Great died in 323 BC in Babylon.

• His body was initially meant to return to Macedonia, but Ptolemy I diverted it and transported it to Egypt.

• In Alexandria it was placed in a mausoleum known as the Sema.

• Several Roman emperors (Caesar, Octavian, Nero, Septimius Severus, Caracalla, etc.) visited the tomb.

• After the 3rd century AD, all traces of the body and even the tomb disappear.

• The last recorded visitor to see the body was Emperor Caracalla in 215 AD.

What the Novel Proposes

The book presents the theory that Alexander’s burial ultimately took place in Pieria. Based on ancient references, modern indications, literary and folkloric clues, and topographical arguments, the narrative explores the possibility that Alexander’s remains were secretly returned to Greece.

Is the Theory Valid?

Archaeological confirmation does not yet exist — just as none of the alternative theories have been verified. The book’s theory is a logical and intriguing hypothesis supported by interpretations of historical sources, but it lacks tangible archaeological proof. Likewise, other popular theories (Siwa Oasis, Memphis, Alexandria, under religious sites, etc.) also remain unproven. Only a future excavation can give a definitive answer.

Conclusion

The theory presented in Adilos Tafos is creatively and historically justified, yet still a hypothesis. It stands as one of the most compelling scenarios surrounding Alexander’s lost tomb — but not the proven one.