Turkish archaeologists have discovered the burial place of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, which is the prototype of Santa Claus. Reported by The Guardian.
Scientists using ground penetrating radars have found a well-preserved ancient temple under the Church of St. Nicholas in the Turkish city of Demre, as well as the voids in which the body of the saint is located. Researchers do not have access to the remains yet, as stone bas-reliefs and mosaics may be damaged during excavations. However, according to scientists, in the future they will be able to get to the grave.
Many researchers believe that Saint Nicholas was buried in a church in Demre in 343 AD, and in the 11th century his remains were illegally transported by merchants to the Italian city of Bari. However, Turkish archaeologists are confident that the body was replaced. In their opinion, the real Nicholas the Wonderworker remained in Demre, and the stolen bones belonged to an unknown priest.
In May of this year, the relics of St. Nicholas were delivered from Bari to Moscow. Believers could worship the remains in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. More than 1.5 million people were reported to have attended.
Saint Nicholas is a priest who lived in the III-IV centuries AD and is revered in Christianity as a miracle worker. It is believed that he made secret gifts to poor people who had children. This became the basis for the Christmas tradition of giving gifts on his behalf.