The Greek Culture Ministry is keeping the public updated on a major ongoing excavation taking place at the site of Ancient Amphipolis, in central Macedonia, Greece. Following the uncovering of the entrance to a late 4th Century tomb guarded by two headless sphinxes, archaeologists revealed more discoveries.
On 21 August, the archaeologists removed soil from behind the statues, at a depth of some two meters and a width measuring the same as the entrance of the tomb (4.50 meters).
After removing five stones, with mechanical means, from the sixth row of the wall sealing, the archaeologists discovered the upper portion of the marble doorway beneath the base of the headless Sphinxes.
According to the culture ministry’s announcement, it was covered with fresco in imitation of Ionic architrave and is decorated with colors of red, blue and black.
Two Ionic capitals of the pilasters of the door were also discovered below the Ionic architrave, also covered with fresco and decorated with the same colors.
In statements made earlier to the media, Greek Culture Minister Kostas Tasoulas referred to the need to promote Greek culture so the country can reclaim the place it deserves. The Amphipolis dig has attracted major international interest.
As for official conclusions in regards to the tomb, the culture minister said that the archaeologists should have a clear picture in about two weeks.
The main question on everyone’s mind is who was buried there.
