### Skull Discovered in Ephesos Ruins: Not Arsinoë IV, but a Young Male with Developmental Issues
A recent investigation has disproven a long-held assumption regarding the identity of a human skull found at the Ephesos ruins in 1929. Previously believed to be that of Arsinoë IV, Cleopatra VII’s younger half-sister, the skull has now been confirmed to be that of a young boy, aged 11 to 14, who likely experienced developmental issues. This disclosure, reported in *Scientific Reports*, emphasizes the intricate nature of archaeological interpretation and leaves the enigma of Arsinoë IV’s remains unresolved.
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### **The Historical Background of Arsinoë IV**
Arsinoë IV featured prominently within the chaotic Ptolemaic dynasty of ancient Egypt. She was possibly the third or fourth daughter of Ptolemy XII and the half-sister of Cleopatra VII. Her existence was characterized by political machinations, insurrections, and misfortunes.
Following Ptolemy XII’s death, Arsinoë’s siblings, Cleopatra and Ptolemy XIII, ascended as co-rulers of Egypt. However, Ptolemy XIII soon expelled Cleopatra, igniting a civil strife. Julius Caesar stepped in, reinstating Cleopatra as co-ruler. Throughout this tumultuous time, Arsinoë proclaimed herself queen and commanded Egyptian troops against the Romans. Though initially triumphant, she ultimately was betrayed by her commanders and surrendered to Caesar.
Arsinoë received asylum in the Temple of Artemis in Ephesos, residing there for several years. Yet, her life was cut short when Cleopatra and Mark Antony ordered her execution on the temple steps—an egregious infringement of the sanctuary’s sanctity. Historians estimate Arsinoë’s age at the time of her death to be between 22 and 27 years.
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### **The Skull’s Discovery**
In 1904, the Octagon, a burial chamber in Ephesos, was discovered, and its sarcophagus was opened in 1929. Archaeologist Joseph Keil unearthed a skeleton that was submerged in water but only extracted the skull, leaving the rest of the remains in situ. He theorized that the skull belonged to a young woman around the age of 20, although he did not provide definitive evidence to substantiate his claim.
Hilke Thur from the Austrian Academy of Sciences later posited that the skull might be that of Arsinoë IV, referring to cranial measurements and historical background. Nonetheless, the absence of inscriptions or burial items in the tomb rendered this identification highly speculative.
The skull was mostly overlooked until its rediscovery in Vienna in 2022, prompting a fresh investigation led by Gerhard Weber of the University of Vienna, who sought to clarify the mystery employing contemporary scientific methods.
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### **Forensic Examination and Results**
Weber’s team performed an in-depth analysis of the skull along with a femur and rib linked to the same individual. Through micro-CT scans, mass spectrometry, and genetic testing, they unveiled several critical findings:
1. **Chronology and Genetic Data**: The skull dates between 36 and 205 BCE, consistent with Arsinoë IV’s death occurring in 41 BCE. Genetic testing validated that the skull and femur were from the same individual. However, the detection of a Y chromosome indicated that the individual was male, thus excluding Arsinoë IV from being the owner of the remains.
2. **Age and Developmental Issues**: Morphological assessments suggested that the boy was between 11 and 14 years of age at the time of death. The skull showed multiple abnormalities, including a prematurely fused cranial suture, an uneven shape, and an underdeveloped upper jaw. These characteristics imply that the boy may have suffered from a genetic developmental disorder, such as Treacher Collins syndrome, or a deficiency in vitamin D.
3. **Remaining Questions**: Tracing the boy’s ancestry suggested ties to Italy or Sardinia, prompting inquiries regarding how he ended up interred in an esteemed structure within Ephesos. The absence of burial items or inscriptions adds to the enigma regarding his identity and importance.
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### **Significance and Future Investigation**
These findings underscore the necessity of reexamining historical artifacts with modern scientific methodologies. Although the skull does not belong to Arsinoë IV, its investigation offers valuable perspectives on the lives of individuals in ancient Ephesos. The boy’s burial in a significant location implies he may have possessed some degree of social or cultural relevance, yet the precise justifications remain ambiguous.
The research also highlights the difficulties associated with archaeological interpretation. Initial assumptions about the skull’s identity were based on scant evidence, illustrating the dangers of reaching conclusions without substantial data. As technology progresses, researchers have new avenues to revisit and refine historical accounts.
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### **The Ongoing Enigma of Arsinoë IV**
The mystery surrounding the final resting place of Arsinoë IV continues to remain unanswered.
