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.
The architect Michalis Lefantzis (1ND (a)), the archaeologist Katerina Peristeri (2the (a)) and the engineer Dimitris Englishman ((D)).
Identifying coins with the face of Alexander, But coins of the 2nd century BC. and the 3rd century a.d.. is the newest items from the excavation on the ancient tomb of Amphipolis, as it became known during the papers, Saturday, ΑΜΦΙΘΈΑΤΡΟ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΆΜΕΣΤΟ ΤΟΥ ΥΠΟΥΡΓΕΊΟΥ ΠΟΛΙΤΙΣΜΟΎ.
The major revelation that have found coins of the era of Alexander c’ with his portrait and Roman coins, 3rd century a.d. but also Hellenistic of 2nd BC. in Amphipolis, Katerina Peristeri proceeded during the press conference at the MINISTRY of CULTURE for the findings in Amphipolis. The announcements were made by the head of the excavation and head of the Inspectorate of Antiquities Serron k, Michalis Lefantzi architect and civil engineer Dimitri Egglezo.
Ms. Peristeri has not given more details, Why stressed that the coins should be studied.
Also have found:
– Mobile finds and ceramics, While she found pottery and melambafis.
Important detail that the site was looted before the katachwsi. After the first sack, the site "sygyristike".
The katachwsi and sealing walls were made in Roman times. The venue was open.
Mystery remains the identity of deceased, as yet has not started the anthropological study. Possibly within the next few days to announce the scientific team who will take.
According to the head of the excavation team, the monument has been disasters and syliseis in antiquity. "Such a monument was not easy not to become a target tymbwrychwn" he said.
O skeleton from the Tomb
For the skeleton, parties whose power point presented in photo (Photo) that once seemed mixed with soils, the General Secretary of the Ministry of culture, Lina Mendoni said he found fragments and in fullness almost 100%. It is characteristic that the skull was found outside the trench, while inside the excavation found the mandible. Still found the spine, hands, the feet side and basin broken by stones that had fallen from above. The existing completeness is such as to allow specialists to give answer to many questions. She also admitted that there is "theoretical delay" as what team will examine the anthropological material. Should be written in a complete team and the investigation has nothing to do with only the skeleton but also with other findings.
parts of the skeleton parts of the skeleton
For Alexander the great
Katerina Peristeri said the dead could have been a Macedonian General. "What I said and I still. Nobody has the confidence to say anything it is premature to say anything "he said. But when asked if it excludes the possibility to be Alexander the great, η Κατερίνα Περιστέρη είπε: «δεν αναφέρομαι σε ονόματα».
The archaeologist leading the dig at the ancient tomb in Amphipolis, northern Greece, said on Saturday that the site had once been open to the public but was later sealed, although this did not protect it from raiders who stole many items.
"It is certain there was damage and plundering in ancient times as it was a large monument that people could visit,"said Katerina Peristeri (photo) at a news conference.
Peristeri refused to be drawn on the possible identity of the skeleton found inside the tomb, which dates to the era of Alexander the Great, despite earlier comments that a top Macedonian general was the most likely occupant.
"I had said some time ago that with a lion on top of such a massive monument, it could be the tomb of a general,"said Peristeri. "When the skeleton was found, an archaeologist could never say if it is a man or a woman. "
The results of tests on the remains are expected in several months. Peristeri said that the skeleton was in "poor condition." She dismissed rumors that Amphipolis could have been the burial place of Alexander the Great.
"I do not respond to conspiracy theories about Alexander the Great being buried there,"she said.
. The scientific presentation of the research in Tomb began caste of Amphipolis with historical and technical reports, who performed in the Auditorium of the Ministry of culture In the Auditorium of the Ministry of culture, the scientific work of research on the Hill were castesFour months from the beginning of the last period of excavation and a few weeks after the discovery of the dead skeleton, the Ministry of culture organizes the presentation, While the General Secretary of culture Lina Mendoni invited, Athens during the excavation team, Workers and conservators . This is an important debate, as scientists acting together on many issues, primary and secondary their views. Of great interest are estimates of the Director of the excavations of Katerina pigeons, the grave until the last quarter of the 4. p dated. Ch. Century and referred to the face of a Caryatid found damaged, revealed, that this “due to spar autumn.” reserve the right, However, no assessment of the identity of the skeleton, She's kept going in the Museum of Amphipolis, say, that “the anthropological data will show us. “
By the way, the architect of Michael Lefantzis revealed, that Tectonically found the tomb of the box engraved letters on the grounds, While the engineer of Dimitris Englishman described the mechanical follow-up of excavations . (Photos by tectonic patterns) Speech Peristeri At the beginning of the speech of the head of the excavation team Katerina said Peristeri, on the progress of the investigations “, how she started in the year 2012 and after 2014 developed” to speak, warns, that “the hardest piece begins now, After the discovery of the skeleton “. He continued with the words: “On the know Amphipolis, is a valuable archaeological site from the 1950s, with the excavations of the late Dimitris Lazaridis. They then discovered tombs of the iron age and the archaic period. Has been for years (o grave) Laid, not believed, that he to give on other things. We hoped, disconnect the grave, because it was after all these years and the excavations. We dug several straps and we lucked out and increased the contrast of the zone. ” Mrs. Peristeri pointed out, that the destruction of the given a Caryatid on a drop target. According to the chronological presentation of excavation, Mrs Peristeri mentioned in ” Secret “the occupant of the Tomb. “Wir wissen nicht, wer die Toten, the anthropological data will show us,” He said. She has the grave until the last quarter of the 4. dated century. Were also found in the grave, Coins and precious stones from the 2. Century before Christ and 3. Century AD, found in the famous skeleton in the crypt of the Tomb monument, stressed woman Peristeri, that no evidence plundered Tomb. On the question of the identity of the dead man and the older statement, Amphipolis buried asked Macedonian General , She replied: “Such massive monument could be buried with a lion on the top and one been strategist. No reply on conspiracy theories, It was buried M. Alexander. ” He however pointed, that Amphipolis was an area, many military raids get. “We have not yet decided, will deal with the investigation of the skeleton, will not finish the pit still, in three months we will know, what the rest of the Tomb.” “We do not all information “, He added. “We have pottery (painted black) identifies. The skeleton was not integer. We found the skull, Pine, upper and lower limbs, Pieces from the spine and pelvis. This is difficult for us, to help determine, whether a man or a woman is. ” Question asked by zougla.gr about the identity of the deceased or the deceased, replied Ms Peristeri, We exclude anyone. (The pieces of the wings of the Sphinxes) (Mosaic stone) H speech Michael Lefantzi The base of the Leo today, According to Mr Lefantzi is incorrectly installed. “On the question of the implementation of the golden ratio for the construction of”, He said. “. The domes of the housing location carved, to customize just only together” ! Also revealed, that the residents back pieces of the pedestrian zone, the stay at home secretly O said architect: “We identify the key dimensions of the members . € on the dimensions of the system “Later in his speech, He added that: “We are in the documentation stage and mapping of the monument. Later we can read more about the structure and architecture to say. When talking about the grave, We need it as a monument to a wider range of antiques of the region to look at. ” asked Mr Lefantzis tectonic letters on the grounds of the crypt box, the, determine the chronology of the Tomb monument studied engraved. He pointed to the way, the Tomb built cast and said, that uses multiple ramps. Furthermore, a pattern similar to that of the “Elgin”, the transfer of the British Brigade of 1000 Pieces, including Leo, near the city of Amphipolis involved, he described the . According to the facts given by Mr Lefantzis, of the day to make the transfer of Austrian and Bulgarian forces attacked the British procession. Thus were destroyed the barges in the Struma and antiques reaches the ground. Speech Dimitri English Ground then took the architect Dimitris English, the described mechanical further treatment of the excavations and the contribution of the same archaeological research . In accordance with the conclusions of engineering: – The construction of the burial pit were the dome construction. – The current image and pathology of the monument is not (or are still due), the influence of strong earthquakes in the 6. AD JH. – The large original design of the monument along with the inner dam were the most important factors for maintaining the performance of a standing position up to today. – The working hypothesis for stress monument of the flood action (and subsequent plow in) not checked. is the major stress factors of the monument and the main cause of the pathology strongly instructed, of the existing archaeological deposits.
The speakers of the event:
CAT. Peristeri, Director of the excavation and head of Antiquities of Serres, on “Archeological Tomb Tomb caste of Amphipolis (2012-2014).” Me. Lefantzis, Architect, on the subject of: “The relationship of the lion with the tomb of Amphipolis:. Architecture approaches” Rep. English, a civil engineer, about “The role of civil engineering at the revelation of the Tomb monument in Tomb caste: Presentation temporary fixtures work and analysis methods for the design and control of historic cases.”Moderators: O Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Athens of Claus Lambrinoudakis and the Director of the Museum of cycladic art, Archaeologist Nikos Stampoulidis.
Athens (DPA) – An ancient tomb discovered in northern Greece dating from the time of Alexander the Great could belong to a general, said Greek Culture Ministry officials Saturday.
The tomb, the largest ever uncovered in Greece, measures 500 metres in length and 33 metres in height. Workers unearthing it have revealed twin sphinxes, a pair of Cartylids – or scuplted 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.
The kings 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 there.
After five hours, completed the final announcements for the excavations at Amphipolis in the packed auditorium of the Ministry of culture.
Katerina Peristeri, Head of excavation and head of the Inspectorate of Antiquities Serron, He talked about the excavations. Ministry officials indicated that this was the final notice of excavation, Plus now initiates the investigation of Amphipolis. However, During announcements caused tension with Katerina Peristeri not answering anything for the skeleton found in Tomb, with score to intervene the Secretary General of the Ministry of culture, Lina Mendoni to give some info, While after much pressure of journalists was published in a single image with the bones of the dead. M after the end of the communications in the area arrived and the Minister of culture,. Tasoylas.
The skeleton found distracted and disturbed
Specific, the SME representatives insisted, asking in what attitude found the skeleton, where and how, but did not get responses. The only reported Ms. Peristeri was that the skeleton found "under difficult conditions, covered with soils and delivered with great attention to the look». Even referred to the movable findings of "so-called"- qualification for the first time used- her and added that the anthropological data "probably" will show who are the dead.
Later, Ms. Peristeri was placed once again on the issue. After he showed a photo, indicating that they are bones found in the Tomb, He added that "not counting one good photo, but the protection of the skeleton ".
In question of any iefimerida, Ms. Peristeri revealed that the skeleton is still in Amphipolis, at the Museum, While admitting that he has not decided yet in which laboratory will send the most significant findings of the excavation.
The irritation and Lina Mendoni intervention
Then from the persistent refusal by the head of the excavation Katerina Peristeri to say something further about the skeleton apart from the work of anthropologists and osteologwn to talk about it, the Ministry's Secretary General experienced and illustrious archaeologist Lina Mendoni said: "Because I've been annoyed with the questions and answers» proceeded to clarification around the skeleton.
According to what Mrs Mendoni, the skeleton was "disturbed and distracted». Skull found at a distance from the burial trench. The mandible was off trench. Also, found side, the legs and edges, about IE 80% skeleton. The basin was found dismembered by falling stones.
However, the Lady with the intervention of Mendoni cut any discussion around the topic, Stressing in parallel, that even the skeleton remains in Amphipolis, as it sought lab and composition of groups from osteologoys, anthropologists, but coroners.
Mendoni: "I worked in Amphipolis volunteers»
At The Same Time, the Lady Mendoni clarified and the phrase he had heard earlier from the lips of Mrs Peristeri, which was spoken and for volunteers in the excavation. The General Secretary of the Ministry of culture has made it clear that there is no volunteer worked in the excavation, but only a narrow and over years Assistant of Mrs Peristeri.
The role of the Via Egnatia
As for the role in the excavations of Egnatia motorway, the Lady Mendoni explained how the excavation type mine and that was used and because mine lamps and the Egnatia Odos features and expertise, but the inside, helped in this piece.
Found coins
At The Same Time, sensation caused in the crowded courtroom revelation that made the Group of Amphipolis that there were coins of the 2nd century, Alexander of III, but also the pottery items, something that was not announced until now, causing the surprise of bystanders. Asked for more details of coins, the answer of Ms. Peristeri was how even the theme is in the phase of processing, While there was no answer to the question why is it still in the epistylia Museum with human performances, found two months ago and their existence revealed by Kostas Tasoylas just last week.
How was the face of a Karyatidas
Ms. Peristeri made particular reference to the moment he found the Caryatids, talking about the thrill that she felt her team, While it gave and an appreciation for how it was destroyed in the face of a. This site had sand backfill and a beam fell, with score to end up in the face of a Karyatidas, destroying the, According to the estimation of k. Peristeri.
Earlier, Ms. Peristeri had done an excellent, vivid description, analyzing step- step what happened in Amphipolis. "Your Irthame here to travel to Amphipolis», said and talked about the feelings the thrill, using words like ' amazing ', "wonderful" and "extremely", referring to the findings. He talked about the greatness of perivolos, indicating that the 2012 the Hill was "a mystery, left for years, but something told us that we had to go back there. And suddenly, in the summer we found the entrance of the tomb and so it all began». Even, reported that the Tomb dates back to the last quarter of the 4th BC. century.
It is worth noting that the Minister of culture, Kostas Tasoylas, accompanied the k. Peristeri in the Auditorium and walked.
Tectonically letters in perivolos
Installation, the architect Michalis Lefantzis said that Masonic found letters-an ' e ' and an ' a '- the precincts, that were there since its construction, i.e. by the end of the 10th century, While especially the ' e '- as noted- It is characteristic of the age. He stressed that he has clearly found that the statue of the lion of Amphipolis staring Southeast. The letters in the trenches, as experienced team members, without mentioning names. It is Tectonically and related to construction work at the time of the Tomb. Even, They noted that Christians are not approached the grave, as happened in other ancient monuments.
In what,What concerns the precinct, they were found to have removed marble, causing great destruction, which were used to as dams in rivers, mainly in the Struma and press oikodomoikoy to other operations. The 80 m. the yard that have been found are in perfect condition, While have been identified and 500 parts of it, which has garnered the excavation team and will become restoration with them.
Even, the presentation noted that the tomb was looted before the katachwsi. The area "sygyristike" after the looting, While the Earth was in the Roman era and the tomb was then open.
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