Archaeologist Katerina Peristeri, head of the archaeological excavation at Kasta Tomb in Amphipolis lashed out at her critics on Tuesday over accusations regarding the excavation procedure following at the dig site.

In her statement, which was included in an announcement released by the Culture Ministry, Ms. Peristeri underlined that the excavation is conducted in the best scientific way.

“Some of the people that frequently appear in the media expressing their opinion on our group’s work, are neither archaeologists nor have ever participated in an excavation similar to ours or, as far as we know, in any excavation. It is unscientific, to say the least, for someone to express an opinion regarding the subject of a research he has never been a part of but also regarding an archaeological site he has never visited.”

Regarding the excavation procedure, the head of the dig noted that the members of the team are removing very carefully the sandy soil from the excavation layers. The archaeologists use tape for this removal and the soil and, whenever is considered necessary, they use a shovel or a scoop. The soil is consequently sifted.

Responding to recent reports, Ms. Peristeri underlined that the soil over the floor’s mosaic was removed very carefully.