Archaeologists have uncovered the original grave of St Nicholas in Turkey – the 4th-century saint who inspired Father Christmas. But his remains were stolen by Italian sailors in 1087 and taken to Bari, Italy, where they remain today There has been a breakthrough (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Archaeologists may have discovered the original burial site of St. Nicholas in Turkey, predating a notorious historical grave robbery.

Though he's immortalised in Christmas tales , Kris Kringle existed as a real person during the fourth century .

Father Christmas draws inspiration from St. Nicholas, who was born in Turkey and served as a bishop in what is now called Demre, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The saint was laid to rest within the grounds of his church, St Nicholas Ch

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