Alexander Sarcophagus

The Alexander Sarcophagus is a magnificent Hellenistic stone sarcophagus dating from the late 4th century BC. It was found in the Royal Necropolis of Sidon, which is located in modern-day Lebanon, and it is currently one of the centerpieces of the Istanbul Archaeology Museums collection in Turkey.

While named after Alexander the Great due to the intricate bas-relief carvings depicting his military campaigns and hunting scenes, it was likely commissioned for Abdalonymus, the King of Sidon, or a high-ranking Persian noble. The artifact is crafted from Pentelic marble and remains a premier example of Greek and Persian artistic intersection, showcasing extraordinary preservation of its original polychrome paint. It is owned and protected by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism as a designated national cultural property.