There’s no easy way to say it: Santa Claus is officially dead, and they’ve found his grave to prove it.
Archaeologists believe they have uncovered the tomb of Saint Nicholas underneath an ancient church in Turkey more than 1,600 years after his death. A team of researchers reportedly detected a crypt five feet beneath the marble slabs of the church’s floor that is believed to contain the saint’s remains.
The group of archaeologists uncovered the crypt in 2017, but thanks to technology and thorough research, they’ve been able to identify the actual tomb — lovingly called Santa’s original grotto — as the final resting place of Saint Nicholas.
The holy figure dedicated his life to helping the poor and needy, and even spent his inheritance on the cause. He was known for his secret gift giving and gained a reputation for leaving coins in people’s shoes. It’s no surprise that his legacy lives on in the spirit of jolly Saint Nick.
While the legend of Father Christmas lives on, the real Saint Nick can continue to rest in peace.
