"Memorial Burial Mound excavations Kasta Amphipolis (2012-2014)»
Katerina Peristeri, Head of excavation and Head of the Inspectorate of Antiquities Serron.
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"You know very well that the most difficult beginning. The study will give us the lessons we all wait», mentioned at the beginning of the presentation by the head of excavations in the Tumulus Kasta.
«Amphipolis is a valuable archaeological site from the 50s with the excavations of the late Lazaridi. Then iron age tombs were uncovered and archaic era. It is a part of the hill that is embedded in the Tumulus. CONTINUE THE READING
The Greek archaeological and research team who have spent the past few months excavating the enormous tomb of Amphipolis in northern Greece, have given their first complete presentation of the excavation results at the Ministry of Culture in Athens, revealing new fascinating information about this monumental discovery.
Kasta Hill lies in what was once the ancient city of Amphipolis, conquered by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, in 357 BC. Experts have known about the existence of the burial mound in Amphipolis, located about 100km northeast of Thessaloniki, since the 1960s, but work only began in earnest there in 2012, when archaeologists discovered that Kasta Hill had been surrounded by a nearly 500-meter wall made from marble.
Damage to the marble wall
Lead archaeologist Katerina Peristeri has now revealed that only 80 meters worth of marble has been recovered from the 500-meter perimeter, as much of it had been plundered in the past, with some of it being used to make roads and dams, and other pieces taken for the construction of local buildings and houses. Parts of an old crane were also found, probably once used to lift the marble from the wall. In the early 1900s, another tragedy had occurred – the British Army, who had been posted to the region in 1915, attempted to take much of the marble, as well as the Lion of Amphipolis statue back to Britain. They were stopped by an attack from the Bulgarians and Austrians, and pieces of marble were left scattered in a 5 kilometer radius around Kasta Hill.
Left: The Kasta Hill burial mound. Source: Amfipoli News. Right: The 500-meter long wall made from marble and limestone surrounds the enormous burial mound. Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture
Earlier this year, archaeologists discovered a path and 13 steps leading down from the surrounding wall. It was then that they uncovered a limestone wall protecting and concealing the entrance of the tomb of Amphipolis. Behind the wall, archaeologists revealed two marble sphinxes, both headless and missing their wings, but these were recovered during excavations. Bit by bit, the grand tomb began revealing the secrets that had lain hidden for 2,300 years. “We knew we had to return there and solve the mystery of the hill,” said Peristeri in yesterdays press conference.
Outside the tomb, researchers discovered the engraved Greek letters "E" and "A", which architect Michael Lefantzis said are typical of that specific era. He also stressed that the letters are not name initials, they are related to the construction work of the era.
Looting and vandalism
New research has revealed that the vast tomb had been open to the public in antiquity, leading to looting and damage by the invading Romans. Sealing walls at the tomb were constructed during the Roman era to keep vandals and looters away, but much damage had already been done. This has made it difficult to immediately identify the owner of the tomb, as many artifacts that would been buried alongside the individual, and would have helped with identification, are missing.
"It is certain there was damage and plundering in ancient times as it was a large monument that people could visit,"said Peristeri.
Two marble sphinxes guard the entrance to the Amphipolis tomb. Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture.
Discoveries inside the tomb chambers
In the first chamber of the tomb, archaeologists made a major discovery – two beautifully carved marble caryatids (sculpted female figures serving as architectural supports taking the place of a column or a pillar), measuring 3.7 meters in height, including the base. The caryatids are wearing a sleeved tunic and earrings, and feature long, curly hair covering their shoulders. The right arm of the western caryatid and the left arm of the eastern one are both outstretched, as if to symbolically stop anyone attempting to enter the grave. The face of one of the sculptures survives almost intact, while the other one is missing. Archaeologists have now been able to determine that the face was damaged when a beam fell down from the chamber ceiling in the past.
The caryatids. Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture
As they entered the second chamber of the tomb, more spectacles awaited – a magnificent mosaic which covers the entire floor area and depicting a well-known scene. The mural shows the abduction of Persephone, daughter of Zeus and Demeter and goddess of agriculture and fertility, by Hades/Pluto. A mural representing the exact same scene was discovered in the tomb of Philip II, Alexander the Great's father.
Amphipolis mosaic depicting the abduction of Persefonis. Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture
Coins and pottery
Archaeologists have now revealed that they had also found coins and pottery inside the chambers, dating back to between the 4th and 2nd centuries BC, along with two marble shields that are believed to have been part of the lion sculpture that once stood at the top of Kasta Hill. Some of the coins show the face of Alexander the Great.
The burial vault
In the third chamber, archaeologists found a hidden vault in the floor that had been sealed with limestone. It contained human remains inside a sarcophagus. The skeleton had once been inside a wooden coffin (now disintegrated), which had been sealed with iron and bronze nails. Bone and glass decorative elements and skeletal remains were found both within and outside the limestone sarcophagus.
The limestone burial vault. Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture
The remains are now being examined by experts and results may not be available for several months yet. Peristeri said that the identity of the skeleton is still unknown, but certainly belongs to an important figure.
“We have no clear clues on the identity of the buried person based on the sculpture of the Lion which stood on top of the hill and the other architectural finds,"said Lefantzis. "We do know that the dead was a prominent figure…In my opinion he was a warrior.”
While Peristeri appears to be hedging her bets on a Macedonian General of Alexander the Great's army, due to the lion that once stood atop the burial mound, she also referred to the fact that in the past, the burial mound was known to locals as "The Tomb of the Queen".
Nevertheless, Peristeri refused to be drawn into a debate on the possible identity of the skeleton found inside the tomb at the press conference. “I cannot tell who was buried or not buried at the tomb. Be patient and our search will give you answers,” she concluded.
Geophysical scans of Kasta Hill have revealed that there may be much more lying hidden within the enormous burial mound, and archaeologists have announced that more excavations may begin in the near future.
– See more at: http://www.ancient-origins.net/comment/6755#sthash.f0ftukuo.dpuf
Speculation about who the mysterious ancient tomb recently unearthed in Greece belongs to continues, with one academic now suggesting Alexander the Great's mother was buried there.
A number of scholars believe that the presence of female figures, known as caryatids, show that the tomb in the Amphipolis region of Serres belongs to a female.
However, one expert has gone as far as to state that he believes that archaeologists could eventually discover the remains of Alexander the Great's parent, Olympias, inside.
A number of scholars believe that the presence of female figures, known as caryatids (pictured) show that the tomb in the Amphipolis region of Serres belongs to a female – probably Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias
WHAT ARE CARYATIDS?
Caryatids are sculptures of females that take the place of a column to support a building.
They are a distinctive feature in Ancient Greek architecture and famously hold up the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens.
Their elaborate hairstyles provide support to their necks that would otherwise be too thin and weak to support a heavy load.
The Caryatids in the Greek tomb are made of marble and support an inner entrance into the burial plot.
They feature the same sculpting technique used for the heads and wings of two sphinxes found guarding the main entrance of the tomb last month.
Writer Andrew Chugg, who has published a book on the search for the legendary leaders tomb, as well as several academic papers, put forward his controversial argument in The Greek Reporter.
He argues that sphinxes guarding the tomb are decorated in a similar way to those found in the tombs of two queens of Macedon, including the kings grandmother.
In Greek mythology, Hera, the wife of Zeus, is depicted as the mistress of the sphinx. As the Macedonian kings of at the time of Alexander identified themselves with Zeus, Mr Chugg thinks their queens may have been associated with the mythical creature.
He goes on to explain that the sphinxes guarding the tomb are most similar to a pair at Saqqara, which is thought to be the site of the first tomb of Alexander the Great – whose body, it is thought, was moved around after his death.
He also points out that the facades of the tombs of Alexander the Great's father, Philip III and Alexander IV, are similar to the façade of the lion monument found, which was thought to have originally stood atop the mystery tomb.
In addition to this there are also similarities between the Serres paving and rosettes and those found inside Phillip I's.
An expert listed a number of features such as caryatids and sphinxes that indicate the tomb belongs to a woman. He thinks it was most likely built for Alexander the Great's mother because the caryatid female figures are probably Klodones – the priestess of Dionysus. A close-up of their sandals are pictured
With all this, he believes the grand burial was built for Olympias or Alexander the Great's wife, Roxane, who are both thought to have died at Amphipolis around the same time as the tomb's construction in the last quarter of the 4th century BC.
Mr Chugg thinks it was most likely built for Olympias because the caryatid female figures are probably Klodones – the priestess of Dionysus.
Greek writer Plutarch said in a biography about Alexander the Great that his mother consorted with the priestess.
In it, he writes that Philip II dreamt that he closed Olympia's womb with a lion seal, which perhaps explains the lion statue thought to have been placed on top of the mysterious burial mound.
Experts have previously suggested that the tomb belongs to one of the kings officials. There are hopes that despite looting, a body may still remain inside the burial mound.
Details of a sculpted female figure, known as a Caryatid, is seen inside a site of an archaeological excavation at the town of Amphipolis, in northern Greece on the left and feathers can be seen on one of the two large stone sphinxes (pictured right) which sit beneath a barrel-vault topping the entrance to its main chamber
Here, archaeologists work outside a site of the tomb in Amphipolis, in northern Greece
Following months of excavation, a team of researchers has made their way into the third chamber of what is been dubbed Alexander the Great's tomb, in the Amphipolis region of Serres. Access was possible through a wall that was only recently uncovered (pictured)
During the most recent excavations, archaeologists have discovered fragments of a broken marble door which lead to the third chamber of the tomb .
They have also discovered iron and bronze nails as well as a large hinge.
They say that the evidence follows the standard form of a Macedonian tomb, Greekreporter.com reported.
Experts believe the ancient mound, situated around 65 miles (100km) from Thessaloniki, was built for a prominent Macedonian in around 300 to 325BC.
Access to the third chamber was made possible after experts unearthed two sculpted female figures, known as Caryatids, last week.
Speculation continues about who the mysterious ancient tomb recently unearthed in Greece belongs to, with one academic now suggesting Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias (etched in a coin from 316BC) was buried there
WHY MIGHT THE TOMB BELONG TO OLYMPIAS?
Expert Andrew Chugg thinks that the sphinxes are similar to some found in the tomb of Alexander the Great's grandmother.
He thinks that queens of the time were associated with the mythical animals.
The sphinx statues are also similar to a pair at Saqqara, which is thought to be the site of the first tomb of Alexander the Great, before his body was moved.
The lion which was once top the burial mound has a similar façade to the tomb of Alexander the Great's father, Philip II.
This evidence suggests the burial was built for Olympias or Alexander the Great's wife, Roxanne who both died in the last quarter of the 4th century BC when the tomb was built.
Mr Chugg thinks it was for Olympias because the caryatid female figures are probably Klodones – the priestess of Dionysus.
A story by Greek writer Plutarch that Olympia's womb was closed by a lion seal – perhaps explaining the connection with the lion statue.
By removing a large volume of soil, behind the wall bearing the two sculpted female figures, they were able to uncover the next chamber.
Until now, experts had only partially investigated the antechamber of the tomb and uncovered a marble wall concealing one or more inner chambers.
During initial observations, the archaeologists found that the level of sandy soil in the third chamber is lower than in the previous two chambers.
The dome structure has been weakened, as a result of losing a large amount of earth, and the researchers found the arched dome of the third chamber is on the verge of collapse, due to ' deep and extensive cracks’ on either side.
Before the discovery of the Caryatids, it was feared the ' incredibly important ' tomb dating to the time of Alexander the Great had been plundered in antiquity.
On the left, an expert works on painstakingly removing the soil surrounding a large sculpture of a Caryatid – a female that takes the place of a column to support a building. Details of the body of a sphinx are pictured right, including its feathered wings and muscular body
Clockwise from top right shows two headless, marble sphinxes found above the entrance to the barrel-vaulted tomb, details of the façade and the lower courses of the blocking wall, the antechamber's mosaic floor, a 4.2-metre long stone slab, and the upper uncovered sections of two female figures. The second and third chambers, not pictured, have not yet been explored
Last week, archaeologists unearthed two sculpted female figures, known as Caryatids, (pictured) as they dug deeper at the site in the northeast of Greece. The half-bodied statues made of marble have thick hair covering their shoulders and are wearing a sleeved tunic
Archaeologists excavating an ancient mound in northern Greece (pictured) uncovered the entrance to an important tomb some months ago. It is believed to have been built at the end of the reign of warrior-king Alexander the Great and Prime Minister Antonis Samaras described the discovery as ' extremely important '
The paw of one of the sphinxes guarding the tomb is pictured. Experts say that all the artefacts uncovered so far, suggest it is a tomb typical of the Macedonian style
Archaeologists said that a hole in the decorated wall, and signs of forced entry, indicated it had been looted.
But the discovery of the female sculptures gave fresh hope that some treasure may have survived, after all.
The face of one of the Caryatids is missing (pictured), but both have one hand outstretched to push away tomb raiders
The Caryatids are made of marble and support an inner entrance into the tomb.
They feature the same sculpting technique used for the heads and wings of two sphinxes found guarding the main entrance of the tomb last month.
' The structure of the second entrance with the Caryatids is an important finding, which supports the view that it is a prominent monument of great importance,' the Culture Ministry said.
The face of one of the Caryatids is missing, while both figures have one hand outstretched in a symbolic move to push away anyone who would try to violate the tomb.
Archaeologists have said that the Amphipolis site appears to be the largest ancient tomb ever discovered in Greece at 1, 935ft (590m) wide.
Two months ago, pictures emerged of a pair of sphinxes guarding the grave's main entrance beneath a large arch and experts said that most of the earth around the mythical creatures had been removed to reveal part of a marble lintel with frescoes.
Chief archaeologist Katerina Peristeri said that the monument being uncovered is a unique tomb, not just for Greece but for the entire Balkanic peninsula, and described it as being of ' global interest '.
Mr Chugg thinks it was most likely built for Olympias (illustrated) because the caryatid female figures are probably Klodones – the priestess of Dionysu, whom she is said to have communicated with in an ancient tale
During initial observations, archaeologists found that the dome structure (pictured) has been weakened, as a result of losing a large amount of earth, and the researchers found the arched dome of the third chamber is on the verge of collapse, due to ' deep and extensive cracks’
Archaeologists were hopeful that an ancient mound in northern Greece could hold the remains of a senior official from the time of Alexander the Great. They discovered that its entrance is guarded by a pair of sphinxes (pictured) but last month warned that signs of forced entry indicate it was plundered in antiquity
WHO WAS ALEXANDER THE GREAT?
Alexander (statue pictured) was born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia in July 356 BC, and died of a fever in Babylon in June 323 BC
Alexander III of Macedon was born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia in July 356 BC.
He died of a fever in Babylon in June 323 BC.
Alexander led an army across the Persian territories of Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt claiming the land as he went.
His greatest victory was at the Battle of Gaugamela, now northern Iraq, in 331 BC, and during his trek across these Persian territories, he was said to never have suffered a defeat.
This led him to be known as Alexander the Great.
Following this battle in Gaugamela, Alexander led his army a further 11,000 miles (17,700km), founded over 70 cities and created an empire that stretched across three continents.
This covered from Greece in the west, to Egypt in the south, Danube in the north, and Indian Punjab to the East.
Alexander was buried in Egypt.
His fellow royals were traditionally interred in a cemetery near Vergina, far to the west.
The lavishly-furnished tomb of Alexander's father, Philip II, was discovered during the 1970s.
Prime Minister Antonis Samaras added the discovery ' is clearly extremely important '.
Alexander, who started from the northern Greek region of Macedonia to build an empire stretching as far as India, died in 323 B.C. and was buried in Egypt.
His fellow royals were traditionally interred in a cemetery near Vergina, to the west, where the lavishly-furnished tomb of Alexander's father, Philip II, was discovered during the 1970s.
But archaeologists believe the Amphipolis grave, which is surrounded by a surprisingly long and well-built wall with courses of marble decorations, may have belonged to a senior ancient official.
Dr Peristeri argued the mound was originally topped by a large stone lion that was unearthed a century ago, and is now situated around 3 miles (5km) from the excavation site.
Greece culture ministry said that earth around the sphinx statues has been removed to reveal part of a marble lintel with frescoes (pictured) but hopes of finding further treasures now seem to be slim
The tomb is situated in Amphipolis region of Serres in Greece (marked). Archaeologists believe the grave may have belonged to a senior ancient official. While it looks largely undisturbed, there are fears that looting took place hundreds of years ago
THE GREEK SPHINX
In Greek tradition, the mythical sphinx has the haunches of a lion, sometimes with the wings of a great bird, and the face of a human – usually a woman.
It was described by writers as being treacherous and merciless.
In many myths, including Oedipus, those who could not answer a riddle posed by the monster, would be killed and eaten.
The sphinx described by the Ancient Egyptians was usually male and more benevolent.
In both cultures, they often guarded entrances to temples and important tombs.
The oldest sphinx found guarding a site was discovered in Turkey and dates to 9,500 BC.
Geophysical teams have identified there are three main rooms within the huge circular structure.
In the past, the lion has been associated with Laomedon of Mytilene, one of Alexander's military commanders who became governor of Syria after the kings death.
A paper sponsored by Harvard University that was published 70 years ago hints that this might be the case and that Laomedon worked as a language interpreter and sentry during the kings Asian campaigns, Greekreporter.com said.
The historian Diogenes Laertius said that Laomedon was banished by Alexander the Great's father, Philip II but returned to Macedonia when Alexander took the throne.
After governing a province in Syria after Alexander's death, he was captured by Nicanor when the empire broke up.
The story goes that he managed to escape to Caria, where he was promised the city of Amphipolis. So if his remains – or evidence that the final resting place is his – are found in the tomb, it could play a role in proving tales of the past.
' The excavation will answer the crucial question of who was buried inside,' Mr Samaras said.
Archaeologists who fear that few treasures and clues to its owner may remain in the tomb, said that part of a stone wall that blocked off the subterranean entrance was found to be missing, while the sphinxes, which were originally six feet (two metres) high, lack heads and wings.
p. b. t he following text is from the novel by Philipp Vandenberg “The secret diaries of Augustus Caesar” and in any case is not some some historical source or historic event,as wrongly presented to various websites on the Internet. the publication is done purely on literary value.
From "The secret diaries of Augustus Caesar Parchment No.. LXXXIX
O Augustus Caesar,indicate the following:
"I want to start from the beginning, ever since man encountered the avatar, as they say, and the Greeks, the image of the blind worship. We Romans have borrowed this word, like many others who were missing, and many of us looking for the mirrored in those who lent us this word. I am no exception and I'd say lying if you say that the legendary my father, Gaius Julius Caesar, whom I love, was avatar for me in my early years.
Not the idols we love, but we respect and admire, and I admired the Great Macedon, Alexander. I felt more akin to that, Despite the Gaϊo, not by blood, but in the soul and character, and all situations encountered in his life. Even today I shudder when I think then that I had been elected Consul for the fifth time I met my great idol the relic of IE, stuffed with herbs according to the Ptolemaic Dynasty art, in such a way that it looked like he was sleeping tired from their conquests throughout the world.
In this and only this owes the people of Alexandria that after my victory in Aktio not destroyed their town, as deserved, that I respected the Palace of Antony and Cleopatra and not gkremisa. Not, No I did. Even if revenge would mean justice, I showed real compassion for the sake of Alexander the great who had founded this city on the Western banks of the Nile, without negotiations, but with determination, After I threw the cloak of the sand and designed with the sword of the perimeter, the streets and houses- nine other cities already carry the name of. When I arrived in his grave, It is made from red marble, I gave a mandate to lift the heavy plate and had my Idol, that looked like a statue of Lysippus, full of admiration and awe. I was then just 33 years, at the age they died, Alexander.
Alexander I'll never forget the look of. This great man, clean shaven, seemed to be smiling, a smile of satisfaction that showed that he knew well what he had accomplished, proud and conscious, ναι, even smug and superior. With this smile dies only a man who has cut with the sword of the Gordian knot, instead of looking to find the beginning and end of the rope, a man who goes into the desert to find the Jupiter Ammon to confirm the divine origin and the right of power, a guy who basically did not know any opponent except himself. Then I didn't want nothing more than to die and I sometime in the Great Macedon- with a smile etched on my face.
I spent endless hours so, to look, so that my companions pushed impatient to see and other dead Ptolemies, you lying there on 300 years, metamorphic in mummies. I said my mates urgently fools that what I wanted to see I was a King, and no other corpses. For’ This and refused to visit the Api, After the Romans used to worship the gods and not bulls.
So, well, the completely brainless mob kicked and none of the silly words could not change my opinion. With the flame to the torch trizobolaei, Bantam periergazomoyna the guy. As I do so, and Alexander was short, which justifies those who claim that the small men are destined for something big, After all their energy shares in a compact body. And as I, so Alexander wrote to his mother in secret letters. It Was Called Olympiad, had the same passion with her Eyes and it is said that Zeus Ammwnas slept with her, taking the form of the serpent.
And as I, and so the great Macedonian scorned the sports where taking part dynamic athletes, and show greater love for philosophy. Loved as Aristotle as his father and the tragedies of Aeschylus, of Euripides and Sophocles, While he slept he kept under his pillow the Iliad of Homer, next to the sword of. And as I had always envied the Horatio for his luck to "sculpts" words and indifferent to money and fame, so Alexander saw another of ego in a wise. When he went to Corinth said to cynical Diogenes that will fulfill any grace of asking. Then he asked him to go a little adjacent to not hide the Sun, not like nothing else.
These words very much liked to Alexander, with pride and greatness of soul- Nobody can understand it better than me- He said for the philosopher: "if I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes '. Luxury, said Alexander- and s.’ This also agree absolutely- makes the slave and servant, being King is the hardest task. Therefore condemned men who like on luxuries and material goods, as the Agnonas, He wanted to have silver nails in the soles of, or the Leonato asked to carry sand from Egypt to play sports, or Filota who commanded to construct nests in 100 stages can hunts. They were more patient than me, Why can scorned the akolasti behavior, but not adopted any law, as I did I, to stop.
So, Alexander the great taught me patience. Taught me that without patience, the ground Strip crops not working. And if I look behind me, the 76 years of my life, I find no trace of patience- and if somewhere vaguely discerned, I can't say it was patience, but tolerance, Unfortunately. I never learned archery, where aristeye Alexander, or to jump from the chariot, as he did when the Broncos were running in the Woods. Even, not hunting foxes. This, of course, was due and my health, that from very early forced me to stay inside the House, Nevertheless, though, with the help of my doctor, the Muse, I arrived in old age.
I, the Imperator Caesar Divi Filius Augustus, and Alexander the great, I feared nothing more than the importance of omens and oracles. It is not surprising; Suffice a nod, a line that was pulling our hand with the pen, and folks dying, countries burned out and rivers were changing their flow. And yet, suffice a sudden thunderbolt to kryftw on my mantle, While Alexander had his mug. Alexander had around him men from Babylon, I of Egypt, why I believe in the stars, but I do not know the laws that with so much wisdom determine their orbit. And if the sign was for him a source of, suddenly jetted water to the point that he had set up the tent of, on his way to India, for me it was a pigeon that assured me that I will come back healthy. The two omens said the truth, I must confess, because at that time there was a lot of holding and confusion around the explanation of points that sent the gods….
* My blood froze when I saw. I wanted to put on the legs, but a mysterious strength kept me pinned there. I don't remember anymore how long it lasted, until I pulled out two guards. None of the priests was unable to say whether this was a bad omen that someone sent me the gods, after something like that hasn't happened before and it felt meaningless.
What I was thinking while I stand in front of the deceased Alexander and I wanted to bid farewell to greet someone as, lying and that at the end of his life, a good friend. So, look out, the kissed on the forehead and caressed However, from the big thrill, I looked careless and stumbled on the sarcophagus of Alexander the great. Not to fall I stretched my left hand and accidentally felt his nose. You broke like glass in many pieces and figure out what had happened, I saw that in point before the nose of, echaske now a hole.
Believe me, everything I write is true and while I tried to close the eyes and to erase the image that I had seen, It was impossible. This image follows me like a shadow and constantly find in front of me: a black hole in the head of Alexander, not a wound that sometime shuts, not. Then I looked, like today, like spoiled with my own hands him the divine man- my own avatar».
*The broken nose on the mummy of Alexander describes and Cassius Dio, Book 51, 16, 5. PHILIPP VANDENBERG: "AUGUST, The Secret Diaries», Versions Konidari-Athens, 2004.
ATHENS – Coins featuring the face of Alexander the Great have been found at the largest tomb ever unearthed in Greece, where archaeologists are hunting for clues to solve the mystery of who lies buried there.
The enormous tomb at Amphipolis in northern Greece dates back to the fourth century BC and contains nearly intact sculptures and intricate mosaics.
The discovery earlier this month of a skeleton inside the structure has added to the excitement over the site, which has enthralled the Greek public.
The archaeologist in charge of the dig, Katerina Peristeri, on Saturday said the identity of the skeleton remains unknown but that the tomb was likely built for a high-ranking individual.
Giving the first complete presentation of the excavation results at the Ministry of Culture in Athens, Peristeri said the quality of the statues and the sheer scale of the tomb — measuring some 500 meters (1,640 feet) in circumference — "show that a general could have been buried there."
The tomb was repeatedly plundered before being sealed off, but Peristeri said the team found several coins around the tomb, including some showing the face of Alexander the Great and some dating back to the third and second century BC.
Archaeologists had to dig their way past huge decapitated sphinxes, break through a wall guarded by two caryatids — sculpted female figures — and empty out an antechamber decorated with lavish mosaics to finally find the tomb's occupant.
Experts have known about the burial mound, which is 30 meters high, since the 1960s, but work only began in earnest there in 2012.
"We knew we had to return there and solve the mystery of the hill,"said Peristeri.
Since the unearthing of the site, deemed to be of huge historical importance and visited by Prime Minister Antonis Samaras in August, there has been widespread speculation over who is buried there. The guesses range from Roxana, Alexander's Persian wife, and Olympias, the kings mother, to one of his generals.
But historians say it is highly unlikely to have been Alexander himself, who conquered the Persian empire and much of the known world before dying at the age of 32.
An ancient tomb discovered in northern Greece dating from the time of Alexander the Great could be linked to him or his family, Greek Culture Ministry officials say.
The tomb, the largest ever uncovered in Greece, is 500 metres long and 33 metres in height. Workers unearthing it have revealed twin sphinxes, a pair of Cartylids – or sculpted female figures – an elaborate mosaic floor and the remains of a skeleton.
Katerina Peristeri, the chief archaeologist at the Ancient Amphipolis site, said that the identity of the skeleton is still unknown, but certainly belongs to an important figure, possibly a general.
“You are aware that the most difficult task begins now – and that is carrying out the DNA analysis which will give us the answers we are waiting for,” she told journalists during a press conference.
She said several coins dating to the period of Alexander the Great were also discovered in the tomb.
Officials have said the tomb most likely belongs to a distinguished male public figure or a general, prompting excited speculation that it might house the remains of Alexander the Great, who died in 323 BC and whose final resting place remains a mystery.
Alexander died in Babylon, aged 32. Some experts speculate that he was buried in Alexandria, Egypt.
His wife, Roxanne, and their son, Alexander, were exiled to Amphipolis after his death and slain there along with his mother, brother and sister-in-law, leading some experts to believe their remains might be discovered in the area.
EPAA view of the ionic capital covered by a fresco, found under an apse at the Kasta Tumulus, near ancient Amphipolis in Macedonia, Greece.
Athens – Greek archaeologist Katerina Peristeri dug in obscurity for years before unearthing a marble tomb from the time of Alexander the Great – a find that has brought her instant fame.
In a land with one of the worlds richest cultural heritages, archaeologists rarely receive much public notice. Yet Peristeri has become the face of the Amphipolis crypt, a 2 300-year-old sepulchre beneath the sandy hills of northern Greece. She has received three Greek awards in the past month alone.
"I'm just a simple archaeologist, doing my duty,"she beamed at one prize ceremony. At another, she joined a choir in a rousing ode to Alexander's homeland.
The tomb may be the last resting place of Alexander's wife Roxanne, his mother Olympias, or one of his generals, according to competing theories. But the speculation is not the only thing fueling Peristeri's popularity.
After six years of economic crisis, political tumult and a humiliating international bailout, Greeks are desperate for heroes and Prime Minister Antonis Samaras's government is eager for some good news.
"It revives Greeks’ hopes that despite their big struggle to survive there is a ' holy grail’ that will reconnect them to a period of glory and power,"said Christos Kechagias, a sociologist who teaches at the University of Athens. "In times of crisis, people have the chance to redefine their identity. "
The popular television programme "Anatropi", normally a political talk-show, has twice devoted its entire two-hour segment to the excavation. In a front-page spread, the Espresso tabloid suggested the identity of the tomb's mysterious resident could be divined with methods taken from the novels of Dan Brown. The answer, it said, lay in a painting by Renaissance master Giovanni Antonio Bazzi depicting Alexander's wedding.
Greek broadcasters have been transfixed by discoveries from the tomb – a pebble mosaic showing the abduction of Persephone; two sculpted "Caryatid" figures; skeletal remains in a limestone grave that are now being analysed for identification.
"It's very unusual to have play-by-play coverage of archaeological work,"said David Rupp, a classical archaeologist and director of the Canadian Institute in Greece. "It's almost become like a reality TV programme."
Samaras has frequently highlighted the tomb in his speeches. With his wife Georgia, he toured the site in August, walking along the marble wall that rings the tomb. He then stood before the tomb's entrance guarded by headless sphinxes to announce a "significant discovery" that makes "all Greeks proud".
HOT PRETZELS
Stories on the Amphipolis tomb sell like hot "koulouri" or pretzels, the Kathimerini newspaper said. "It has unfolded in a thrilling way, never before has an archaeological excavation been unveiled this way,"Culture Minister Constantinos Tassoulas told Greek television.
Not everyone is happy. The opposition has criticised Samaras – whose government handles all announcements related to the tomb – for trying to make political capital from the discovery.
"Amphipolis is not the place for political games,"said Panos Skourletis, spokesman for the opposition Syriza party.
Despina Koutsoumba, an archaeologist who belongs to the small, anti-capitalist Antarsya party, says Samaras is using Amphipolis to hide cutbacks at archaeological and other sites: "They highlight Amphipolis to cover up the national bankruptcy."
A legion of tomb-related cartoons have emerged: one shows Samaras urging archaeologists to identify the deceased in order to make him pay a new property tax; another shows economists digging at Amphipolis in an effort to find elusive growth.
And some say that an excavation is not going to lift the fortunes of a country where over one in four is unemployed and household income has fallen by a third since the crisis began.
"The truth is we would all like this to be something big,"said Garifallia Dedes, 40, a psychologist. "But ultimately it's nothing more than an important discovery that brightens our grey days."
At Amphipolis, there are hopes the discovery will help the region prosper. The museum that attracted about five visitors each weekend now gets up to 2 000, says Anna Panagiotarea, spokeswoman for the excavations. Buses packed with tourists and school groups arrive at the site even though it is not open to visitors.
Thessaloniki channel TV 100 's audience jumps from 3 percent to about 24 percent of viewers when a regular half-hour bulletin on Amphipolis is broadcast, she adds.
"Readers feel uplifted as a nation – this news boosts their confidence,"said Michalis Alexandridis, director of popular northern papers Makedonia and Thessaloniki.
Peristeri, the archaeologist, is glad the tomb "reminds the world of Greece cultural contribution", But she plays down the fuss. "The excavation has not changed my life,"she said through a spokeswoman, declining to be interviewed ahead of a news conference this week.
By Renee Maltezou and Deepa Babington
"This is scientific work I've been doing for 35 years." – Reuters
Today, 29/11/2014, in a “pale” and “disappointing” (as presented by the media) presentation the excavation group presented the activities of the excavation in the Tumulus Kasta.
At first sight it seems that did not provide any new element, instead disappointed those expecting something shocking. But it is indeed so things ;
THE archaeologist Luminous Anastasopoyloh managed to attend the presentation today and to record in the form of practical What happened
Today me and sent them to the post.
I quote the accompanying text sent to us and practical of which pumped very important information You can someone noticed only if read “between words” that eipwthisan.
In general the situation as recorded were as follows :
-The kataskeyastike Memorial for a afirwismeno dead, was controlled access and in Roman times esfragisthike with Backfilling We met that There were physical.
– During that were visited esylithi (?)
– Not found no funeral gifts in the burial chamber which There are, however, not excluded elsewhere in the mound!
– If you saved the library of Alexandria may have written sources to the monument.
– The holes in leg walls was deliberate to become the Backfilling
Here created quite questions, the most important of which are as follows :
– Why Romans they were both zeal to seal a monument which It was not Roman and indeed it was sylimeno ;
– Why If you saved the library of Alexandria may have written sources to the monument; It has nothing to do with the Alexandria the monument, which will interpret the recording need of ;
– Why There is no record from the Romans This monument and for the Backfilling He's been pretty elaborate and costly, While we know that tracked anything ;
These questions force us now to focus our attention in the Roman period. By doing this we observe the following :
– THE last emperor who saw the Alexander It was the Caracalla and theSeptimius Severus It was he who sealed the Tomb so don't visit one again.
This prima facie does not create any problem, But if careful that the Severus was the father of Caracalla then arises a paradox. How the Caracalla visited the grave of Alexander and had him stamp his father and that after him no longer saw Alexander;
The returned to John the Chrysostom of instructions “Who is Mark Alexander, deixon Moi” does it imply that tthe body of Alexander was no longer in Alexandria and not what is commonly attributed to, that longer then echathi the memory of Alexander ;
THE Caracalla He is known for the cult that harbored for the Alexander.
“Historians agree that the main-if not unique – cause for the campaign of Caracalla against the Parthians stemmed from unlimited and rather unhealthy admiration for Alexander the great, and not by any particular strategic need of the time. Besides, the Emperor's desire to emulate the Macedonian King and his achievements seem to define in general the whole policy of the“ Even the army of served and 16.000 Macedonians.
Therefore formed a another reality that we can assume, which is as follows :
THE Septimius Severus seals the tomb of Alexander in Alexandria because the body of Alexander metafereta(j) to be buried in the grave that originally meant for him, in Amphipolis. The Tomb he had remained empty due to the fact that the body of Alexander by Ptolemy and yfarpachtike ended up in Egypt.
Nevertheless inthe unused tomb at Amphipolis of hero/God values have been paid. The tomb of It was built from the outset with earthing specification for this and there were openings in leg walls and the marble slab connecting these two openings.
When well esfragisthi the Tomb stinAlexandreia, the body must bySeverus or the Caracalla in Amphipolis, where and enetafiasthi and embargo on the Tomb immediately. The fact dthat was in the Imperial archives definitely with the Emperor's command, apparently not to uncover exactly what happened there. Caracalla therefore worships Alexander in Amphipolis Finally and not in Alexandria and stamping the grave excludes most visiting from any other.
It should be noted that at the point where there is the Hill Kasta found a milliario (ododeiktis) of Caracalla.
This explains also the saying of Ms. Peristeri because (a)n was the library of Alexandria may have written sources to the monument. Because very likely was recorded there the transfer of remains of Alexander of Alexandria in Athens.
One also very important element is that the excavation team considers that the funeral gifts be buried elsewhere the mound.
It is clear, therefore, that from the evidence that the excavation team shows such a scenario, but apparently cannot be adopted in public and so expect to “tie” this case with more items and after the announcement of the results of the measurements. For this and is sparing at announcements the.
Of course this remains to be proven or refuted by the upcoming announcements.
Pending well… Perhaps future surprises…..
E Also, mention again pulled all the videos that I have uploaded.
Part of the presentation of Ms. Peristeri. Not 1
Part of the presentation of Ms. Peristeri. Not 2
Part of the presentation of the Ku. Lefantzi
=======
After I managed to get your press conference today give away all the notes that I managed to keep it to use all or part of the, that you look more appropriate.
To know that I have recorded the bulk of what was said.
The question-and-answer process ended on 15.30 again many who had requested to ask questions is not prevented (me neither).
Ms. Peristeri was excited but also joyful and answer spontaneously, smiling and looking in the eyes of the interlocutor. Ms. Hardly intervened and mendoni k. Panagiotarea was present but dumb person.
Conspicuous by their absence many kathigitarades that make the lap of channels to bless their beard. Mere presence of very famous teachers were Ms. Kokoroy-Alevras, He was given the honorary first why questions.
There were no special revelations except that found and currencies of Max. Alexandrou in Th2 and Θ1 whereas the British tried to steal pieces of Leo and the base of the, something that revealed Mr.. Lefantzis who said that it is also historically confirmed.
Solved the mystery why have not shown photos of the skeleton and why still no estimate if it was male or female.
Also I think it was important that possibly the funeral gifts-gifts of the deceased be present in another area of the mound.
Many questions remain unanswered, but also the chance to be the tomb of Alexander the great in my humble opinion not only shot down but grew.
These, My buddy and I hope those who look forward to prove scientifically and to live to see and comment on.
Official press conference at the MINISTRY of CULTURE for the funerary monument of Amphipolis
The event began the two rapporteurs, Claus Lambrinoudakis, Emeritus Professor of Classical Archaeology, University of Athens and Nikos Staboulidis, archaeologist, Director of the cycladic Art Museum who coordinated the questions.
Speech by Ms. Peristeri
Initially stated that today there will be a presentation of the findings so far of the excavation and that it remains much study and work to interpret what the excavation revealed hoe.
Did a flashback to previous excavations that were done on the Tomb during the Decade of Kasta 50 by Mr. Lazaridis and revealed Iron Age graves and the Hellenistic period.
Modern research on the Tomb began in 2012. There was a folk tradition in the region that the tumulus hides the "Tomb of the Queen". Initially attempting to delimit the Tomb until finally discovered in the yard and then antithima himself the marble courtyard of thassian marble. Uncovered slowly saves only its lower stones, stanchions and ridges and emerged, in collaboration with architect k. Lefantzi, that the diameter of the enclosure is 158,40 m. the height 3 m.
The first year had found only scattered architectural parts of the enclosure. Not only saves only its lower stones found in the archaeological site but also beside the point Leo.
It seems that the 3the century a.d in Roman times there was a crane yard xekollise pieces of which were used in other structures such as dams, etc.
End, found spot 80 m. the yard with all the architectural members, cornices, epistylia, bases.
In the last 30-40 the enclosure measures revealed the 2014, detected and the entrance of the funerary monument.
Leo's base is constructed from sections of the enclosure.
Among the sections of the enclosure found in Lithotopos may exist and pieces belonging to the grave.
The basis of the first septal wall behind the Sphinxes relied only on a downtown domo, the rest was in the air!
The cornice above the caryatids had the same details with cornices of the enclosure.
From plank that has collided (in obscure time) and that found in the excavation of a destroyed person Karyatidas (This located to the right, to a.).
We had no desecration of the monument by Christians as not found typical crosses used to scratching.
As in the grave removed soils and diafragmatikoi walls were parallel clamp.
Marble funerary Chamber door panels can be welded a and found broken in large pieces.
This is for devotional funerary monument with dead afirwϊsmeno.
Have passed since permit your persecutors'defiled hands monument which caused a lot of damage and disorder particularly in the burial chamber.
The skeleton has problems due to moisture and should be restored to give conclusions. Has moved with the soils from the grave at the Museum of Amphipolis to best studied by a team of anthropologists.
Speech by Ms. Lefantzi
Leo and Tumulus
A British Brigade tried to convey the 1916 1000 Lion tracks with 4 barges but Bulgarians and Austrians sank the boat and portions of Leo sunk in the Strimonas.
The archaeologist Miller imprinted material and made an first documentation.
When a few days ago, descended the Strimonas level revealed 52 marble pieces which the next day rose by 5 (It seems that some residents ' returned ' some pieces that had their homes!). Some pieces of the enclosure may be located at the base of the dam of kerkini and which will never recover.
The basis of Leo might have sculptures and frieze.
The manufacturer of the precinct knew that π = 3.14 and made use of the golden section with basic dimension 0,528 which all the rest are multiples.
Masonic signs found, letters a and e in the yard design plates, confirming the dating in the last quarter of 4th century b.c..
Leo looked to.
Leon and the Tomb belongs to a wider group including and the nearby Hill 133.
Studied all the topography of the area.
In Roman times, removed marbles of the enclosure and then became the katachwsi of the Tomb. The excavation revealed the counterweights Roman crane and one of the Sandals of edrazotan in the territory of the excavation.
500 the yard tracks found in Lake kerkini, which the Group gathered up last Sunday. The restoration work will give at the end a good representation of the enclosure.
Speech by Ms. Englishman, (She) Architect
The tomb was with excavating and epanepichwsi.
The external removal of soils, especially over the burial chamber, will become if they first completed fixatives works inside of the monument. Otherwise the weight of the machinery and the tremors will damage.
In the Tomb have been placed 19 strain sensors, most in the burial chamber.
The construction of the burial trench seems that was before the construction of the monument.
Major earthquakes in the region made during the 6-7the century. a.d. as well as the 1829 focusing on Drama. Is limited the damage from quakes caused at the Memorial.
As regards the question of whether katachwsi has a great flood, This did not happen because in this case would have collapsed the walls sfragistikoi.
The skeleton of the deceased is disturbed by ancient tomb robbers.
QUESTIONS
Followed questions – alternately from archaeologists and journalists- which were answered by 3 who did the presentation (KC Peristeri, Lefantzis, Englishman) and in a case of Ms. Mendoni.
K. Kokoroy-Alevras
(Professor of Archaeology at the University of Athens)
(E): For the burial trench, How is chronicles the construction of the rest of the Tomb or simultaneous;
(A): The excavation prior to we do not know if it was at the same time.
(E): Lithoplinthoi found in the excavation of his investment;
(A): There is investment in the lower portion of trench. From the findings it is concluded that there was an investment of trench.
(E): When the sfragistikoi walls and backfilling;
(A): The walls were built with sealing material in 2the use. The material of the monument are pwrino of the same era with the grave. s
On the floor of 4th space (means of burial chamber) It's more refined processing of pwrolithwn.
Marble material from the monument was reused in other monuments.
The inscriptions are only Masonic materials and building points.
Kotti, NATION
(E): Who is buried there;
(A): By Leo on top and so huge funerary monument could have been a great General of Alexander the great. But we need to study the skeletal material from anthropologist to have some answers.
Hatzopoulos
(E): It seems that the two halls of the monument was originally to visit. So the protective walls are downstream. So after deliberate destruction of remnants and fragments of sculptures there in the burial chamber and closed with walls of the monument;
(A): We had plenty of raids from Phrygian tribesmen after the battle of pydna. After the 3the century a.d. partial destruction of the monument occurred.
In antiquity the monument was known and visible so, as is natural, attracted Tomb robbers.
MEGA Papadis
(E): Initially it was claimed that the monument was not looted. When and why was the earth fill;
(A): Was simultaneously with sfragistikoys walls. Study should be made on this. The openings in the bulkheads drums were used to pass the backfill soil and in one case used part (plate) the marble roof as ramp.
(E): So was desecration before backfill.
(A): Yes, the desecration is placed in Roman times.
Antonio Corso
(E): The plundering of the monument was the 3the century. the a.d.
(A): Then the latter Macedonians have tried to protect the monument, historical and cultural heritage.
Adamopoulou NEWS
(E): Why not burning; Why do we refer to some sources for the monument;
(A): Alexander's intention was to construct a shining monument in Amphipolis, as stated by Diodorus Siculus. If you saved the library of Alexandria may have written sources to the monument. The lion proves that is buried an important personality. Sealing walls and the Roman period is katachwsi with stuff in 2the use of the material of construction of the Tomb.
(Note my own: I responded to the absence of combustion)
Banou
(E): You told us that it was a devotional monument. What is the relationship to the precinct; Not found at all-ceramics;
(A): Any gems not found in the burial chamber. They might be elsewhere on the mound the funeral gifts. In 1the and 2thegems found space and ceramics dating from 2-3thecentury. a.d
Originally the precinct there was open and there was access to the Tomb. Later closed. It was a place of worship for the hero that was controlled open.
I AVGI Krimiwti
(E): Was the Prime Minister's visit while there is the same interest, publicity and funding for other excavations. You dialed the Prime Minister;
(A): The Prime Minister came from interest, After the update I had done for the Ministry of culture. From the publicity that won is the salvation of the monument.
Veleni
(E): Melambafis or red paint found in ceramics;
Was incision in point destruction of mosaic;
(A): Yes found pottery and some melambafis coinsincluding the Alexander g (the Mega!) the two spaces apart from the burial chamber. The incision made in mosaic not found anything specific but has the thickness of the mosaic.
Kontraroy – Rassia ELEFTHEROTIPIA
(E): The openings in the Earth made by body-snatchers;
(A): Initially the katachwsi reached up to the roof and gradually katakathise. So after the Earth could not enter Tomb robbers.
Tsakiroglou PROTO THEMA
(E): The skeleton belongs to a person though it belongs to the person who constructed the monument. If there are analogies with alexandrina monuments.
(A): It seems that is one dead, We don't know if it was the grave for the dead, will rule anthropologist for the dating and the identity of the dead.
With regard to the orientation of the grave, He wants much study because the shaft of the tomb is not moving toward the center of the mound.
Tzibelekoy
(E): It has been decided what will be the team of anthropologists;
Tell us about the human figures in epistylia.
(A): You must complete the maintenance, they look vaguely traces but still can't say something clearly.
For anthropologists has not yet decided the group which will undertake the study, but we think they could be Greek.
Nikoloylia (Conservator Ministry of culture.)
(E): There Is 2the entrance to the Tomb somewhere else;
(A): There is no other entrance. The excavation will continue in the rest of the Tomb.
Lymberopoulou THE TOC
(E): When we get the results of prospecting;
(A): Σε 2-3 months we answer.
Mertzani (Conservator)
He made a brief speech about the paintings on epistylia. He said that the maintenance requires much time and asked us to provide to the maintainers.
Risen The NEWSPAPER
(E): Currently the skeleton; It would hurt the photoshoot; The paintings are identified before 2 months;
(A): The skeleton is found in the Museum of Amphipolis. Expressions in epistylia looked after the first cleaning. Left to be cleaned, maintenance and study of coins and pottery findings.
Spanelis ChRONOMETRO
(E): It was claimed as the architect of the Memorial precinct and the Deinokratis;
(A): Support-Ms. Peristeri- I and Mr. Lefantzis.
To tell you here that you mention drag time as epistylia is in fact these section, plinth with two kymatia and not epistylia.
The entrance of the funerary monument with sentencing was closed, in a double-column parastasei with roof in ancient times before the desecration and sealing of the monument.
It is a large public project which used around 3.000 cubic meters of marble. So, It took a great architect who may have been the Deinokratis. As a public work may not be commissioned by a rich man but from important person of the era.
(It retained its name) Herbalist
(E): There are botanical data;
(A): Not something special, but there are soil samples from the stratigraphy, which in the future will be studied.
Karatzaferis ELEFTHEROS TYPOS
(E): The dead and the grave are identical;
(A): Will answer anthropologist.
Ant1 Pagoylakis
(E): We can rule out that the deceased was a member of the Royal family or himself and Alexander the great;
(A): Nothing we cannot exclude. We don't know yet if it is a member of the Royal family or General.
Regarding dating, the Pebble mosaic from the style and way of construction is placed in the last quarter of 4th century. e.g.. as well as the toichodomia of the enclosure and of the monument. Also the theme of the mosaic was usual and dear during the same era.
Chatzi ALPHA
(E): What members from the skeleton found;
What your instinct says, There are also other monuments in the tumulus;
We have pieces from the shields which adorned the pedestal of Leo;
(A): For the first query will be determine anthropologist, While the second will show us the diaskopisi.
Now, for the third question, found semi-columns and 2 pieces of exerges shields. On the Edit exists that shows shields that were accepted as the basis and stoyko on this painted representations. Also, on the basis of Leo have at Ionic semi-columns Doric capitals.
Here intervened Ms. Mendoni which said that the dead man's pelvis is dismembered and crushed by falling over stones. That generally the skeleton is in a fragile condition because of moisture and should be preserved and fastened so that it can provide answers. Also clarified that for the moment the rescue but characterized excavations, after depositing the relevant documentation requested by Ms. Peristeri, will be systematic, which anyway seemed from the beginning, When the ruins of Sphinxes.
The excavation is like working in a mine or tunnel, with mine lamps and for this cooperation and help from the EGNATIA.
«Alamoyntin» Will become the psithyrize welcome strain of the Ministry of culture on Saturday morning in the crowded auditorium bouboulina. It was a little before the speeches of Katerina Peristeri and who close associates came from Amphipolis to Athens for a presentation of the findings of the excavation. Basically to put the official dot in excavation, before the chapter of painstaking, lengthy research.
Five hours after, leaving from Bouboulinas, voices were lifted up, objections had been expressed, the spirits were light, yawns took the Hall, criticism brought by all and for all sides and most felt that not only wiser but rather were left with more questions. It was the moment Jamie Peristeri disappeared. Literally. Ten minutes before the scheduled start of the presentation, kateythynomai in the room and see the door of the Cabinet "elevator" (It only goes to the fifth floor) opens and Kostas Tasoula, with relaxed style to accompany the Katerina Peristeri. The archaeologist Digger of Amphipolis wears accessories not separated ever: Black beret, red scarf. He smiles constantly. Smiles that continued until shortly before the end of the presentation, so the dynamic intervention of journalist showed what would follow the next nearly four hours.To “trip” Katerina Peristeri and Hill mystery
"We'll do a small journey in the region», "this is an excavation travelogue», "would you travel»: Those were phrases that often said during the presentation of the Digger of Amphipolis and head of the Inspectorate of Antiquities Serron. A presentation that looked more like a soothing narration rather than scientific presentation. If the previous months we could only wonder often for stryfna scientific style of announcements about the findings, Now we faced one recounting without new scientific findings and analysis.
Caterina frequently Guest House talked only for Peristeri "wonderful", «amazing», «art» unique finds, to permit your persecutors'defiled hands "tymbwrychwn", for "mystery Hill». Explained that in the beginning they worked "like humble topographers ' on the Hill and describing the Caryatids ' Maasai said when we saw before us these amazing projects».
Until the reference to the skeleton, or rather the fact that there was no evidence it caused the early interventions, the reaction to the fact that there was neither a photo or information about the situation of the skeleton, the way I found exactly etc.. "Not counting both the good photo as the protection of the skeleton," said Madam Peristeri – as if one excludes the other. Any other question about the skeleton ( and they were many and persistent) lead to deadlock. whisper of the Anna Panagiotarea
Needed to complete their presentations the architect Michalis Lefantzis and civil engineer Dimitris Englishman, to show the Lady a Peristeri photos of power point of saying that depicts the bones of the skeleton. And while also stubbornly refused to tell us when and who will be the examination of the skeleton, After iefimerida.gr's question revealed that the skeleton is still in the Museum of Amphipolis.
With the archaeologist and Director of the Museum of cycladic art Niko Stabolides to make coordination and masterfully poised between questions and answers (often undertook himself to explain or insist that respondents), tensions continued. Journalists almost ... We asked for information on the imploring skeleton, the Lady Peristeri refused to answer. The Anna Panagiotarea in the first series of whispered sometime "tell, tell what you found "and the architect Michalis Lefantzis erupted against journalist referred to the fact that the bones of the skeleton found inside and outside of the Tomb asking the you that you saw it" to respond together, almost "in official press release!» Here Alexander the great, There Alexander the great, who is Alexander the great;
It was the moment the words of Nicholas Stampolidis at the beginning of the process began to seem prophetic. It was said: "in archaeology never say never and certainly not talking about anyway". The nomenclature had returned and the question was not just who is dead but mainly because in the past, said Katerina Peristeri that belonged to man General of the era of Alexander the great.
"With a Lion at the top and a huge monument said that it could be General. Nobody has the confidence to say anything, "said to repeat" we cannot exclude any name» creating a soysoyro on whether he and Alexander the great. "No answer at conspiracy theories that there is buried the Alexander». Later when asked if he could be a member of the family of Alexander the great tried to cut off the debate by saying that nobody can say anything with certainty.
Having finished anymore presentation and amid multilayer questions suddenly revealed that there are other findings, like the famous Alexander's coins of the 3rd dating from the 2nd century, period of the last Macedonian Kings, event that caused little exclamations in the Hall. the storming of Lina Mendoni
Suddenly, of the side posts of the Amphitheater where watched the debate, the General Secretary of the Ministry of culture rushed to take a position on the Panel and speak, with obvious irritation. With tension that did not cover the hoarse voice after suffering from colds, intensity that showed the first sentence for breaking "questions and answers" that the ekneyrisan. It was the time that Jamie had been reported in Peristeri many volunteers with a love for archaeology who took part in the excavation by stirring up reactions across the room.
"There were no volunteers in the excavation, Peristeri Lady said that perhaps because of fatigue, only a close partner for years and was a volunteer "emphasized in closing the debate Lina Mendoni, to answer then the question for hours agonizing refused the archaeologist to answer. "Found the skeleton in fullness almost 100%, disjointed inside and outside of the burial trench. On the boundary of the trench was the skull, While outside was the mandible. Found the spine, side, hands, the legs and pelvis that was dismembered reason throwing stones. ". The "theoretical" delay for delivery of the skeleton to the experts due to the fact that we need to create the right team of scientists in all disciplines of scientists – osteologoi, anthropologists, forensic scientists needed.
Lina Mendoni stressed again and again that speaks as Secretary General and not as archaeologist, excluding each question for its own assessment of the findings. Giving the impression that she has some conclusions the raw responses in relation to the findings, firmly denied any such interference. Kostas Kavafis reciting Tasoylas
Responses requested by Lina Mendoni, and armed guards who reported Katerina Peristeri that were placed in the Tomb on the first few days after the revelation of Sphinxes. The General Secretary stressed that he requested armed guards, but police protection from the Ministry of public order and the police station of the area. Whether the police have staff weapon with them or not is obviously not work of the Ministry, said. It was the moment I returned to the Hall the Minister – had left before the presentations.
He approached a huddle of journalists, When Lina Mendoni referred to those days of August. Voce Costas Tasoylas told the person sitting next to him "that of August – August was; – the night… Once I remember anymore the eyes». To ask "do you know this poem by Cavafy;"Walking away from the Bouboulinas, with Mrs Peristeri elusive – had to leave to catch her flight, in accordance with its partners- the overarching question was "why should now make this meeting five hours after we had something meaningful to say and listen». Feeling how often we hit a wall asking for answers, one thing she asked: To visit the monument to what and if you say, everything. so what if say is actually a brilliant piece in the history of Greece, as he said at the outset the archaeologist Basil Lambrinoudakis.
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