Prime Minister A. Samaras at ancient Amphipolis (Photos and video from the dig)

The PM and Minister of Culture are at the excavation site of Amphipolis amid rumors that archaeologists are near finding the identity of the person buried at the burial mound

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and his wife, Georgia, are in ancient Amphipolis today amid rumors that archaeologists are on the verge of making a discovery as to who an impressive burial mound in the region belongs to.  Culture Minister Kostas Tasoulas is also in the area to be guided through the excavations of the site.

When the site was first excavated, experts had marveled at the marble-faced wall from the late 4th century B.C. that was believed to contain the remains of a king or at least a very important royal Macedonian. The pyramid-shaped mound is 498 meters long and three meters high, ten times larger than the tome of Alexander’s father, Philip II of Macedon.

Funding of 100,000 euros were allocated to the site by the Ministry of Culture and Katerina Peristeri, the head of Ephorate of Antiquities, completed the excavation of the marble-faced wall. It was built with Thassian marble that was brought to the area with special ships and marble domes from Aliki of Thassos were placed with special cranes, made of wood, iron and lead. Traces of these were found in the area, however portions of the perimeter wall appear to have been removed during Roman times.

Some of the missing portions were found at the area of the Lion monument of Amphipolis, causing archaeologists to believe that the structure may be linked to the Amphipolis Lion. Many believe that it was placed at the highest point of the mount.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SITE, CLICK HERE

 

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