Real or not real, Santa Claus rules the imagination of children all over. However, a recent research at Oxford University is out and about to settle that debate. A new Oxford University research has revealed that bones long believed to belong to St. Nicholas after whom the iconography of Santa Claus is based, do in fact date from the right historical period. In the 16th century stories about St Nicholas became popular, and the legend of Father Christmas was born.
St Nicholas is thought to have lived in Myra, Asia Minor, which is now modern day Turkey. According to the legends he was a wealthy man who was famous for his generosity. It is believed that St. Nicholaus has persecuted by the Emperor Diocletian and died in prison. A group of Italian merchants took away his remains and transported it to Bari.
The bulk of the remains sit in the Basilica di San Nicola, Bari, Southern Pugalia since 1087, in a golden tomb. Over the years, relic fragments have been acquired by different churches all over the world. Since the relics have travelled over the world, there have been questions about if the relics belong to the same person.