Did you hear about the surprising discovery that has changed the story of Arsinoë IV, the sister of Cleopatra? A skull believed to be hers, found in a sarcophagus in Ephesos, Turkey, turned out to belong to a young boy instead. The research team determined that the boy was between 11 and 14 years old at the time of his death and likely had a developmental disorder.

Back in 1929, Josef Keil found the sarcophagus in the ruins of the “Octagon” building and brought the skull back to Germany for analysis. Initially thought to belong to a 20-year-old aristocratic woman, speculation arose in 1982 when the rest of the skeleton was discovered that it might be Arsinoë IV. However, modern technology has now revealed the truth.

Using micro-CT imaging and genetic analysis, researchers found that the skull dates back to between 36 and 205 BCE, matching Arsinoë IV’s timeline. But here’s the twist – the skull actually belonged to a young boy with a Y chromosome. Further examination showed signs of a growth disorder, possibly due to a vitamin-D deficiency or genetic syndrome.

This new revelation raises questions about the similarities between the Octagon and Egyptian structures, as well as the whereabouts of the real Arsinoë IV. The mystery continues, but one thing is certain – the truth behind this ancient burial site is more fascinating than fiction. The study, recently published in Scientific Reports, sheds light on a previously unknown individual and paves the way for further archaeological exploration.