Somebody may have told you as you were growing up that Santa Claus wasn’t real, that he didn’t fly around in a sleigh powered by flying reindeer, and that it would be physically impossible for him to deliver toys to every kid in the world in one night. Well, they might be right about the reindeer and all the toys, but there actually was a St. Nicholas who lived more than 1,600 years ago, and many believe Santa's myth is based on him.

Now scientists believe they have located his resting place:

Archeologists have discovered what they believe to be the tomb of Saint Nicholas, the philanthropic Greek bishop and inspiration behind Christmas icon Santa Claus.

The six-foot-long limestone sarcophagus was found buried 6 feet deep within the two-story annex of St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Antalya, Turkey. Long considered the final resting place of the Saint, excavations have been underway here since 1989 - but this latest find is the most intriguing yet…

“The fact we have found a sarcophagus near the church, which is thought to house his tomb, may indicate that this is indeed the sacred area we have been searching for,” Findik said. “This is a significant archaeological confirmation of historical sources regarding the burial place of St Nicholas."

Archaeologists in Turkey have uncovered what they believe to be the tomb of Saint Nicholas, the real-life inspiration for Santa Claus. The discovery, made in St. Nicholas Church in Demre, Antalya, reveals a six-foot-long limestone sarcophagus buried six feet deep. pic.twitter.com/o2AVWM0zAi

— 1440 (@Join1440) December 12, 2024

I find it fitting that this woman’s measuring tool looks somewhat like a candy cane:

Archaeologists in Türkiye believe they have discovered the tomb of Saint Nicholas, famously known as Santa Claus 🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/T1Wx40gp7P

— Daily Turkic (@DailyTurkic) December 6, 2024

The team is hopeful that they’ve found St. Nick, but are still searching for further confirmation.

While its location lends credibility to the tomb belonging to Saint Nicholas, the research team are now hoping to find an inscription that might reveal more details about who was inside. 

Speaking to Türkiye Today, Findik said: “Our biggest hope is to find an inscription on the sarcophagus. This would help clarify the burial contents and allow us to determine the exact period it dates from.” 

So far, only the tomb’s lid has been completely uncovered, with a small section of the burial chamber visible. The team are planning further excavations in the coming months to find more clues. 

Nicholas was known for helping others:

Saint Nicholas, known for his acts of generosity, was born in the third century Greek village of Patara, which is now on the southern coast of Turkey. 

It is said his wealthy parents died when he was young and that he used his inheritance to assist the needy and suffering, especially children. 

He served as the bishop of Myra and died in 343 AD. Approximately 200 years later, the Church of St. Nicholas was built, and his remains were moved there. 

#Christmas is on the way so let us remind you that Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas has been buried in the church in the Turkish town of #Demre (#Myra Lycia in the past), province of #Antalya.
Photo credit kalashnikova_natalya9691 @ Instagramhttps://t.co/GAngn1trWa pic.twitter.com/1Hvu3q5j2s

— Travel to Fethiye (@vostokturkey) December 16, 2024

Don’t let anybody tell you there isn’t a Santa Claus because if these scientists are proven correct, we will have proof that he most definitely existed. As for red-nosed reindeer and elves, further investigation is needed.