Christmas is just around the corner but Santa Claus may not be coming to town this time. Apparently, (brace yourselves) HE’S DEAD! Like, a really long time ago. What a shocker.
Turkish archaeologists claim that they recently discovered Santa Claus’s tomb under an ancient church in Southern Turkey. According to The Guardian, an intact temple and burial grounds was uncovered “…below St. Nicholas church in the province of Antalya, where he is believed to have been born.”
Surveys detected gaps beneath the church where they found what they believe is St. Nicholas’s grave that still holds his corpse. The remains of St. Nicholas were previously believed to have been smuggled to Bari, Italy where the Nicholas Basilica stands.
Turkish archaeologists, however, believe that the body found in Italy belonged to a local priest rather than Santa himself. Based on documents gathered from the area, his body may still be within the temple complex but the site is unavailable for research.
Archaeologists also said that the temple is inaccessible because of the mosaics and stone reliefs that need to be preserved. Excavation work will begin to allow researchers to determine whether Santa’s remains are still there.
St. Nicholas was esteemed for his acts of kindness and became the symbol for gift-giving every Christmas. But if the real Santa was dead a long time ago, who’s been leaving you presents every Holiday Season?
I guess it’s time to ask your parents, kids.
