New revelations regarding the ancient tomb of Amphipolis have everyone on the edge of their seats. The Greek Culture Ministry has finally released full-body photographs of the two caryatids “guarding” the tomb.
After removing three rows of limestone which had been used to seal the wall, archaeologists were able to fully uncover the two caryatids reaching a height of 2.27 meters. They statues are dressed in long chitons and long fringed dresses with folds.
They are also wearing sandals, decorated with red and yellow color, while their toes have been sculpted with great detail.
The statues are placed on marble pedestals, reaching up to 1.33 meters in length, 0.68 meters in width and, for now, 0.30 meters in height. The front of the pedestals have been sculpted with stanchions following the pattern of the wall lining. The distance between the two pedestals is 1.68 meters, the same length as the opening of the first septal wall where the Sphinxes are located.
The pedestal of the eastern caryatid has a distinct red color. Meanwhile, while removing the soil from the area around the caryatids, archaeologists found parts of their hands and arms.
While excavations progress, archaeologists have discovered that the tomb is larger than they originally thought. In fact, today, September 21, it was announced that the third chamber held a door which probably leads to another, fourth chamber. Archaeologists working on the site have noted that excavations in the fourth chamber are expected to be very difficult.
Greek Culture Minister: I never said the tomb is not Alexander’s
Greece’s Culture Minister Kostas Tasoulas, who stated this morning that it is highly unlikely that Alexander the Great is buried at the Ancient Amphipolis tomb, made fresh statements at “Parapolitika” radio station where he said that he never claimed that the Amphipolis tomb is not Alexander the Great’s.
“There are no written documents on where Alexander the Great is buried, this is what I said, and not that the tomb does not belong to Alexander the Great,” stated Tasoulas.
“I did not disappoint anyone and I did not make anyone enthusiastic on who is buried at Amphipolis,” he said, and reiterated that he agrees with the opinion expressed by the Culture Ministry’s General Secretary Lina Mendoni that no one should make announcements regarding the identity of the tomb’s tenant.
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