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Archaeologist Liana Souvaltzi claims she discovered the real tomb of Alexander 20 years ago in Egypt, but has been blocked by the Greek and Egyptian governments ever since. She specialises in the history of Alexander the Great, and supported the hypothesis that his wish for his body to be buried in the well-known temple of the supreme Egyptian god Amun Ra, in the Oasis of Siwa, had been honoured. The location was of huge significance in the ancient world, and is where Alexander was 'confirmed' as the son of Zeus – the legendary god of Greek mythology.

In 1984, Ms Souvaltzi applied to the Egyptian authorities for permission to excavate the area of the Siwa Oasis, located around 30 miles east of the Libyan border, and 350 miles from Cairo. In 1989, five years after the application had been submitted, permission was granted and excavations began. The team of researchers made a staggering discovery just a week into digging. Mr Souvaltzi and her team found an entranceway, guarded by lion statues, to what appeared to be a very large and important monument.

Archaeology news: The site where the tomb was found

Archaeology news: Ms Souvaltzi at the site of the find

Over the next several years, the excavations revealed that the monument was a magnificent 525 square-metre Hellenistic royal tomb. The archeologists found numerous lion heads on the site, suggesting the burial was of an important figure. Among the inscriptions and carvings was a symbol of Amun Ra and Greek decorations, meaning the tomb could well belong to Alexander the Great. One of the inscriptions, which Ms Souvaltzi believes was written by Ptolemy – a famous companion of Alexander – refers to the elaborate transportation of the body to that tomb, though there is no reference to any names. READ MORE:Archaeology shock: Mount Ebal discovery ‘proves Bible story’

Archaeology news: The find caused a diplomatic row

In 1995, it was announced to the world that Alexander the Great's tomb had been found. Ms Souvaltzi told Greek media at the time: "I have no reservations about whether this is Alexander's tomb. "But I am speaking to every Greek all over the world. I want every one of you to feel proud, because Greek hands have found this very important monument." But this also sparked political backlash. DON'T MISS:

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