The mosaic floor unearthed in the chamber of the ancient tomb at Amphipolis has drawn worldwide attention as experts and Amphipolis enthusiasts alike are rushing to second-guess the identity of the charioteer. The debate has begun as to whether the horseman with the laurel wreath on the chariot is the occupant of the tomb or an immortal. People are trying to identify details, such as whether there is a bird featured on the charioteer’s left shoulder. The pieces of the puzzle aren’t clearcut as there is a huge part missing in the middle of the intricate mosaic that dates back to the last quarter of the 4th century B.C. (325-300 B.C.).

The messenger god Hermes, also the Greek god guide to the underworld, is believed to be pulling the chariot. His gaze is fixed upwards, gazing towards an unknown location. His features allude more to a teenage boy than a man. Furthermore, the technique used to create him appears to have elements of Renaissance art centuries before it became popular.

The geometric meander bordering the tomb was popular in Ancient Macedonia and similar patterns have been found bordering the floor of the King Philip’s ancient palace at Pella where Aristotle had tutored Alexander the Great.

Hermes’ appearance on the mosaic alludes to the myth of the abduction and rape of Persephone by Pluto, a commonplace theme at ancient burial rites at the time. It is possible that, once fragments of the circular part are put into place, the mosaic may reveal another version of the myth of Persephone.

Of course, the stance of the charioteer is unusual for an abduction. The bearded man’s left hand is outstretched, and if the mosaic depicts Persephone’s abduction then the representation is unorthodox and a different edition from the ones that have come to light so far.

The charioteer appears to be charging towards the Underworld which would appear unusual for a mortal. The laurel wreath hints at the god Apollo or he could be a general. It is still unclear if there is a symbolic bird featured on his shoulder.

The mature bearded man and teen-looking Hermes are foils for each other.

Inside the tomb –