BUSTED - Greek archaeologist discovers Christie’s artefacts linked to organised crime

Eight rare antiquities were apparently pulled from auction by Christie’s over the past six months after a Greek research assistant at the university’s Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research uncovered images of them in archives seized from Italian art dealers convicted of trafficking offences, an article on www.scotsman.com said.

According to the report, the latest tranche of treasures were due to be sold at auction in London on Tuesdsay, but after Dr Christos Tsirogiannis notified Interpol and Italian authorities, they were removed.

Tsirogiannis discovered the four lots catalogued in the confiscated archives of Giancomo Medici and Gianfranco Becchina, and warned Christie’s was failing to carry out “due diligence”.

Medici was sentenced to ten years in prison in 2004 by a Rome court after he was found guilty of conspiracy to traffic in antiquities. Becchina, a Sicilian antiquities dealer, was convicted in Rome four years ago of trafficking in plundered artefacts.

Dr Tsirogiannis, a forensic archaeologist, has access to their photos and documents via Greek police and prosecutors.

The items accepted for Tuesday’s antiquities sale date back to 540BC. They include an Attic black-figured amphora and an Etruscan terracotta antefix. Cumulatively, they are worth close to £100,000.

It is the second time in six months Dr Tsirogiannis has highlighted the dubiety of items being sold through Christie’s. The value of the eight withdrawn lots exceeds £1.2 million.

Dr Tsirogiannis, is a member of Trafficking Culture, a Glasgow-based research programme which compiles evidence of the contemporary global trade in looted cultural objects.

A spokeswoman for Christie’s said:

     “We have withdrawn four lots from our upcoming antiquities sale as it was brought to our attention that there is a question mark over their provenance, namely, that they are similar to items recorded in the Medici and Becchina archives.

Read more at: www.scotsman.com

Delos museum construction plans approved

The plans for the construction of a new museum on the island of Delos were apparently given the green light by the Central Archaeological Council, after the funds for the plans were collected.

The new museum is going to have to adhere to strict bio-climatic architectural standards and be situated as far away as possible from the sea, in order to better protect the antiquities and the museum itself from the elements.

Also, it is going to occupy a space of at least 5,000 square meters and feature all of the exhibits displayed in the existing museum, as well as other interesting artifacts located on the island’s archaeological sites and/or in storage.

It should be noted, that the funds for this project were donated by the London-based International Foundation for Greece.

AMPHIPOLIS - Skeleton remains found in grave belong to five persons

(HellasFrappe has said since Day 1 that the grave belongs to the family of Alexander the Great. In more recent articles, we also explained why we feel that Alexander is also buried here. We will continue to believe this until proven otherwise. The mosiac was the last bit of information that convinced us. To read those articles, simply go on the side panel and click on the Amphipolis image and it will take you to a special category where we have massed all of these articles.)

The skeleton remains found in the ancient Amphipolis tomb have been identified as belonging to five individuals, the Culture Ministry said on Monday.

After the conclusion of the examination and processing of the bones found in the tomb, which was conducted by the scientists of the Aristotle and Democritus Universities, at least five persons have been identified. Four of them have been buried: one woman over the age of 60, two middle aged men and a newborn. Scientists also identified bone fragments belonging to a fifth person – probably an adult – who was cremated before being buried.

According to the Culture ministry, the remains found in the tomb make up about 550 bones, fragmented or intact, a skull in a rather good condition and an almost intact lower jaw.

Moreover, some bones have been identified as belonging to animals, probably to horses, which will be examined by a specialist.

Source: Culture ministry, ANA-MPA

The Audacity - British Museum Wants To Showcase More Exhibits From Greece

As Greece continues to pressure the British Museum to return the Parthenon marbles, Athens's Museum of Cycladic Art is reported to be reluctant to loan a major antiquity to the British Museum for an upcoming exhibition.

HellasFrappe says, give us back the PARTHENON MARBLES and then we will talk again about lending out our antiquities to your museum.

A spokesperson for the British Museum said in an interview with the Art Newspaper, that “we have requested to borrow" a piece, but that the Greek museum had yet to respond one way or the other.

The classical sculpture exhibition, titled “Defining Beauty: the Body in Ancient Greek Art," is scheduled to open March 6 and run through June 22.

The controversy between the two countries heated up last month when the British Museum unexpectedly lent one of the Parthenon marbles, a headless statue of the river god Ilissos, to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg—the first time one of the Parthenon marbles had left the United Kingdom since entering the British Museum collection in 1816.

It would appear that denying a loan to the British Museum is Greece's way of getting back at the institution, despite a previously cordial curatorial relationship between the two museums, Artnet News reported.

If Greece does not fulfill the request soon, it will be difficult for the British Museum to install the piece in the exhibition as currently planned.

Sources: enikos.gr, Artnet News, Ta Nea

Amphipolis: A "Cosmopolitan Inhabitant" In a "Cosmopolitan Tomb”

Dr. Lina Mendoni, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture of Greece recently visited Montreal for the inauguration of an exhibition titled: “The Greeks: Agamemnon tο Alexander the Great.” The event opened at the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of Archaeology and apprently features more than 543 artifacts covering 5000 years of Greek history. While in Canada, Ms. Mendoni took some time to speak to Justine Frangouli-Argyris from the Huffington Post about the aforementioned exhibition and about current cultural developments in Greece. 

By Justine Frangouli-Argyris (HuffingtonPost) - Dr. Lina Mendoni, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture of Greece, is an individual who has presided over one of the country’s most crucial ministries for over a decade. Perhaps the most knowledgeable person with respect to culture in Greece, including the numerous archaeological excavations and many ongoing cultural activities, she is a “power woman,” closely monitoring the step-by-step progress of the exciting discovery at Amphipolis and overseeing her country’s initiatives for the return of the Parthenon Marbles.

While in Canada, Ms. Mendoni took some time to speak about the aforementioned exhibition and about current cultural developments in Greece.

HuffingtonPost - Why did the Culture Ministry opt to cover such an expansive stretch, that is over 5000 years of history, with the exhibition, “The Greeks: Agamemnon to Alexander the Great?”

Lina Mendoni - “The comparative advantage of Greek civilization is its long historical endurance and its timelessness. Each phase is not detached from another. Greek history is based on successive stages of the evolution of a culture with each passing day linked to the previous one. The Hellenic Peninsula, along with its seas, is a matrix that generates and evolves, as a sequence, through a continuous assimilation of elements with which the Greeks came into contact.”

HuffingtonPost - How did the ministry of culture react to the recent decision of the British Museum to lend the Parthenon sculptures to the Hermitage Museum of Russia?

Lina Mendoni - “The Greek Government, via its Prime Minister, Mr. Antonis Samaras, has formally expressed its position, voicing the discomfort of the Greek people with respect to the museum’s actions. By lending a portion of the marbles abroad, the complexity of the work has been ruptured for a second time with its unity and harmony disrupted in a most violent way.”

HuffingtonPost - In what way can the law firm of Amal Clooney and the publicity she has created influence the return of the marbles?

“Lina Mendoni - The Ministry of Culture has asked to hear the proposals of the law office of Ms. Clooney but, in the meantime, we are awaiting the results of UNESCO’s proposal to Britain to participate in a mediation process to resolve the dispute. Mediation has timelines which should be respected and, as such, we must await further developments.”

HuffingtonPost - The most recent spectacular archaeological discovery in Greece has been the tomb of Amphipolis. What is so important about this find?

Lina Mendoni - “The discovery at Kasta Hill in Amphipolis is a hugely important monument that is made up of varied characteristics from different cultural phases. It is the first time that a funerary monument, which dates from Macedonia around the end of the 4th century BC, comprises a magnificent lion that laid on top of the tomb, two superb sphinxes guarding its entrance, two splendid female figures that have been classified as caryatids, an exceptional mosaic depicting the abduction of Persephone by Pluto and Mercury and other frescoes that are slowly being revealed.

HuffingtonPost - Has the tomb been ransacked?

Lina Mendoni - “It is absolutely certain that the tomb has been robbed as we have witnessed that the occupant’s funeral gifts have all been removed.”

HuffingtonPost - Where can the skeleton that was found at Amphipolis lead archaeologists?

Lina Mendoni - “It has been neither embalmed nor burnt, so the scientists will be able to establish the individual’s gender and age. In a few weeks, we will have these important results, so we may then proceed, taking into account the historical data and the historical composition, to formulate a working hypothesis. If it is a woman’s skeleton, it will be easier to identify the buried person, if it is that of a male, there are many more names to consider.”

HuffingtonPost - What is the value of this project to the archaeological world?

Lina Mendoni - “It is a monument with universal characteristics, indicating that its creator, as well as the individual buried there, were both true cosmopolitans.”

HuffingtonPost - Greece’s culture is intertwined with its rich ancient history. Does contemporary Greece, in the midst of a severe economic crisis, produce modern culture?

Lina Mendoni - “Of course Greece produces contemporary culture. Even during these trying economic times, a new creative era is taking hold in a fanciful way. In dance, at the National School of Orchestral Art, in cinema or through the development of other modern initiatives. At a time when the crisis is affecting all sectors of the economy, the Ministry of Culture, with the use of available European Union resources, has secured funding for 643 projects, including the restorations of monuments and archaeological sites, the creation of new museums and many other contemporary projects.”

HuffingtonPost - Is Cultural tourism occurring in Greece in a systematic way?

Lina Mendoni - “The Ministry of Culture is charged with creating the conditions for cultural tourism while the Ministry of Tourism is responsible for providing its routes. To this effect, for example, the Ministry of Culture has restored 270 Byzantine monuments as well as various Ottoman shrines, attracting many tourists from Russia and Turkey, respectively.”

Amphipolis: Geophysical Scan Shows That Human Interventions Are “Minor”

Good news. human intervention has be rather limited according to the results of a geophysical scan of Kasta Hill where Amphipolis is located, the Ministry of Culture said on Monday.

In announcement, the Ministry explained that the team of scientists primarily used electrical tomography techniques – and to a lesser degree a ground penetrating radar (GPR) – in order to examine human intervention on the hill.

And as suspected, (and continually pointed out by HellasFrappe), the man-made embankment is only a minor portion of the hill.

The geophysical survey and mapping of Kasta Hill began on November  11th and was carried out whenever the weather conditions were favorable.

The Ministry also said that the scientific team expects that the scan will highlight areas of interest for future archaeological digs.

Peristeri: Alexander Began From Amphipolis, Why Wouldn't He Return?

The head of the excavation team at Amphipolis, Katerina Peristeri said stunned listeners in Serres recently when she hinted in a radio interview that Alexander the Great began his campaign to conquer the East from Amphipolis, why would he not return to the same area?

     "Alexander the Great began his campaign from Amphipolis ... why wouldn't he return there?" 

The famed archaeologist might not know the identity of the skeleton that was found at the burial site, (or maybe she does and is not permitted to say so) in Greece, but she has been throwing a few hints here and there in various speeches abroad (or at least this is what some blogs are claiming).

The staff and management of HellasFrappe bets that the whole family is buried there, but we are not scientists and we don't have any inside information to prove our theory. Our hearts are driven on instinct and our logic tells us that a burial site that large can only be the site of a great king.

Listen to the radio interview. The disputed statement is at 27:21 into the interview.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO INTERVIEW

AMPHIPOLIS - Geophysical survey reveals further structures at tomb

A geophysical survey was carried out at the Amphipolis tomb and the results are indicating that there are more man-made structures of archaeological importance that have yet to be discovered there. With a series of scanned photographs at hand, the archaeological team can now construct a rudimentary map of the archaeological remains hidden within the hill and this will allow them to prioritize and arrange future excavations there.

The geophysical survey only confirms the rumors that the hill is in fact a complex of various constructions. In fact there are many reporters who are claiming that the whole royal family is buried there (including Alexander the Great).

Meanwhile the ministry slammed "unsubstabtiated reports" on various Greek blogs claiming that the skeleton found in the massive tomb in Amphipolis belongs to the mother of Alexander the Great, Olympias, noting that the official results of the research will be revealed in January.

A blog called amfipolinews.blogspot.gr, reported several days ago that there's enough evidence to support the theory that the skeleton uncovered in one of the chambers belongs to a 54-year-old woman, Olympias. The report was republished in other blogs and media outlets.

In a press release, the culture ministry said it will reveal the sex, age and height of the perosn burried in the tomb next month.

     "The research for the material found in the fourth chamber of the burial monument on Kasta Hill was assigned to a multidisciplinary team comprised of specialist scientists by the Aristoteleion and Dimokrition Universities. The program aims at a modern approch the the archaeology of death. Starting from the person and its remains found in the tomb, we will explore the anthropoligical, social and historical context of the people of Amphipolis," the ministry said. 

The results of the overall two-year-program are expected to be announced in a period of 20 months.

Asclepius' Healing Sanctuary To Receive Much Needed Facelift

A project designed to give a much needed face-lift to the ancient sanctuary of the healer god Asclepius in Epidaurus (in the Peloponnese) was approved and will be funded by 2014-2020 National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) funds.

According to Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis, the budget for the project amounts to 5,650,000 euros and is going to be provided under the business program "Infrastructure of Transport, Environment and Sustainable Development."

The works are expected to highlight the landscape of the great sanctuary of one of ancient Greece's legendary doctor gods and it is even going to include a garden with healing and native plants. Parallel to this it is going to also include paths for visitors, and the parking area around the sanctuary will also be beefed up. Other works include an information kiosk promoting local Greek agricultural products and from what we hear even digital tours will be offered.

Moreover, a separate building is going to be raised to showcase the history of medicine, and will also be used for events such as congresses, and meetings.

The sanctuary of Asclepius also includes a temple to Asclepius, a stadium and baths, as well as several other large buildings.

BREAKING - Culture Ministry Releases Photos of the Amphipolis skeleton (VIDEO + PICS)

For many months now, Greeks and friends of Greece from all over the world have been captivated by the discoveries at the ancient Amphipolis tomb. Everyone has been anxiously waiting for news on the who the "occupant" of the burial site is. It looks like we have to wait just a little longer.

credit newsit

credit newsit

On Saturday, lead archaeologist Katerina Peristeri released photos of the skeleton that was discovered at the Amphipolis tomb in northern Greece for the first.

During a press conference at the Greek Ministry of Culture, she said that scientists still do not know who the occupant of the tomb is.

     “We do not know yet who the occupant of the tomb (is),” she noted but she nonetheless presented the first photos of the skeleton found at the tomb.

Reviewing the dig’s progress from the beginning and up until now, she said that the excavations began in 2012 and were based on the local rumour that the “Queen’s tomb” was hidden beneath Kasta Hill.

As she began the presentation, she also revealed that the Kasta Tomb was destroyed by the Romans in the 3rd Century AD. According to her, the Romans destroyed the enclosure of the tomb in the 3rd century AD.

     “We even found traces of an ancient crane used to destroy the enclosure” Peristeri told reporters.

She also said that many of the missing pieces of the magnificent mosaic which depicts the Abduction of Persephone have been discovered and her team has already begun reconstructing the damaged middle part.

She then presented a photo of a marble beam from the architrave above the Caryatids, which -she noted- destroyed the head of one of the statues when it collapsed.

(This last statement certainly refutes all the theories by many archaeologists that are not involved in this dig about vandalism being committed at the tomb).

In her expert opinion, the Lion of Amphipolis was located on top of the Tomb (hill) because fragments of the ancient base of the statue were found in the surrounding area.

Immediately after this was stated renowned UK archaeologist Dorothy King retweeted the story and said that she was “glad they failed”.

Everyone in the room was also stunned to discover that her team unearthed a good amount of coins, which she said date to the 2nd century (or from the time of Alexander the Third). She said along with the coins, various pottery items were also unearthed, but these items have yet to be presented to the public. When reporters asked her for more details about the coins, quite strangely she replied that the coins were in a stage of being processed.

A little later architect Michael Lafatzis took the stand and stated that the British attempted to transfer at least 1,000 pieces of the Amphipolis tomb’s enclosure and the Lion of Amphipolis to London in 1916, much like they did with the Parthenon Marbles.

Lafatzis, who heads the schematic designs of the ancient tomb, told reporters that British troops were ready to transfer the pieces and the magnificent statue but had to put off from doing so because they were suddenly attacked by Austrian and Bulgarian troops.

He also revealed that locals in the area were hiding priceless artefacts from the tomb in their homes!  

    “Amphipolis residents have apparently been returning pieces of the tomb’s enclosure, which they secretly kept in their homes” Lafatzis stated.

Amphipolis Has A (Major) Wager to Win

The Culture Ministry of Greece is looking for the proper laboratory and the group of scientists that are going to be responsible for the processing of the genetic material that was found at the Kasta tomb in ancient Amphipolis.

Speaking to the state news agency ANA-MPA, Culture Ministry secretary general Lina Mendoni said on Wednesday that some parts of the research, such as the excavation one (at least for now), have been almost concluded and others related to the geophysical survey are underway.

As far as the time needed to conclude the scientific research on the monument is concerned, this cannot be determined.

There are some things that can be done in a shorter period of time, Mendoni noted.

     "For example, the excavation that was conducted for three months was intensive because the ministry has provided the excavation team with the necessary support so as to complete it in a short period of time. From that point onwards, no one can rush things as far as study is concerned. Those things need to mature," she said referring to the development at Amphipolis.

Pointing to the processing of the genetic material she added:

      "The (Culture) minister said the scientists (responsible for this) would be Greek and I believe this is the right thing. Thank God, we have good human resources."

As to whether a DNA test would take place, Mendoni said this would be decided after consultations. Amphipolis, however, has a wager to win.

     "It is an exceptionally good opportunity to consider a model of sustainable, moderate growth in the area, that will keep the natural environment intact and will enable residents and visitors to enjoy this unique and timeless cultural heritage," Mendoni noted.

The full interview (in Greek) is available for subscribers at the ANA-MPA website. 

Hellenism In All Its Glory - Stunning Roman Mosaic Revealed in Thrace (PHOTOS)

Another element of Hellemism and all its glory is slowly coming to light. Althogh the dig at Amphipolis may be monopolizing the interest of young and old, do not forget that similar digs are being conducted all around Greece everyday. One such dig in Plotinopol, Thrace is bringing magnificent works of art to light.

A stunning colourful mosaic was revealed during excavations at Plotinopolis, a city founded by Roman emperor Trajan and named after his wife, Pompeia Plotina. The dig is being conducted inside a Roman bath in the north-eastern Greek border town of Didymotiho.

According to an article in the To Ethnos newspaper on Tuesday, the Mosaic is an impressive representation which, when revealed in full, will display a myriad of fantasy creatures including dolphins, Nymphs, Cupids riding mythical sea creatures, centaurs, horses, etc. It dates from the second half of the 2nd century AD and the beginning of the 3rd.

Similar themes, notes the article, may also be found in Italy's Ostia, and in the house of red columns in Tunisia,

The head of this unique excavation, archaeologist Mattheos Koutsoumanis, told the newspaper that so far the excavations have cleared a large portion of the debris on the mosaic flooring (or 90 out of 1.40 square metres).

So far, the figures depicted include young Evros, son of the King of Thrace and Kassandros who emerges from the water.

The municipality of Didymotiho contributed a hefty amount for the excavation which in return helped reveal the geometric motifs on the western part of the mosaic, (one of which is believed to be a "Solomon's Cube", while at the bottom are depicted birds and natural motifs).

The entire mosaic is constructed from glass and bound by stem coils and ivy leaves, both of which suggest that it may also be related to the worship of the God Dionysus.

Koutsoumanis told the paper that the problems at the moment involves the presence of the walls which are apparently delaying the full revelation of the mosaic floor.

     "In several parts we have thick walls, obviously from a later period. So far, the walls are 'stepping' on the mosaic and this is good, because we can remove them. But if at some part they have foundations, they will have destroyed this fabulous find," he added.

Based on the findings so far, archaeologists believe the spa was public and was not part of a luxury villa, while the walls and other objects found at the premises suggest that the site was later used as a pottery workshop.

The site is located northeast of Didymotiho, on the hill of Agia Petra, where in 1965 soldiers accidentally discovered the golden bust of the Roman emperor Septimius Severus. The excavations here began in 1996 and every year more and more archaeological finds are being brought to light.

Without a doubt, the archaeological wealth of Greece is too vast to describe. All we know for sure is that our ancestors took care in leaving us with a glorified legacy on every corner of this Greek land.

PHOTOS from defencenet

Dorothy King: Major Revelations at Amphipolis on the way - Macedonia is Greece!

While speaking to the Ethnos newspaper at the weekend, well known archaeologist Dorothy King said she believes that Amphipolis’ mysterious “occupant” is Hephaestion –Alexander the Great’s childhood friend and general. In the exclusive interview, King said that if she is asked she would be willing to help in the excavations in Amphipolis  and also added that she believes the Greek archaeologists are going to continue to make amazing discoveries at Kasta Hill.

She also said that everything unearthed up to now from the tomb’s colossal size, to its unusual décor, points to the fact that Alexander the Great himself ordered that the tomb be built.

Pointing to ancient sources, she said that chronologically, and in terms of social status, there are only two candidates that could have been entombed in Amphipolis: Hephaestion and Alexander the Great.

     “All sources agree that Alexander’s body was transferred to Alexandria, so the only one left is Hephaestion” she told the paper.

Quite surprisingly, King also took the opportunity to express her views on the FYROM name issue, noting  that the ancient Macedonians did conquer Skopje but they also conquered countries such as Iran and Afghanistan.

     “Those two countries do not claim that this makes them Macedonians” she said and added that Amphipolis is in Macedonia, Vergina is in Macedonia and Macedonia is in Greece.

She added that saying otherwise is as ridiculous as supporting that Jesus went to America.

Source: Ethnos

AMPHIPOLIS: Skeleton Discovered In Third Chamber, Int'l Media Crazed With Excitement (PICS)

A skeleton was discovered inside a large, box shaped, limestone tomb in the third chamber of the ancient tomb of Amphipolis, in northern Greece, Greece’s culture ministry announced on Wednesday. The news sent the international media in a frenzy and already many news agencies are speculating that it could be the remains of Alexander the Great (or at least most news agencies do).

According to what was announced, the tomb was discovered at a depth of 1.60 metres and excavators foundation and copper nails scattered around it, as well as bone and glass decorative elements.

     "It’s obvious the human remains are going to be examined by expert scientists. It is also obvious that we will conduct all the research required by modern science," the statement from the culture ministry said. 

Archaeologists are now certain that the monument was constructed to honor a dead hero, a man to whom worshipping values were attributed by the society of his times.

     "The dead was a prominent figure which is the only way to explain the construction of this unique burial compound," the statement added.

The excavation team also notes in the same statement that the compound was a public work for whose construction builders required the largest quantity of marble ever used in Macedonia.

     "Therefore, this monument combines a unique and original combination of characteristics. It is also an exceptionally expensive construction, the cost of which is extremely unlikely to have been taken on by a private individual," the ministry adds in the statement. 

The outer dimensions of the limestone tomb are 3.23 in length, 1.56 in width and one metre height. However, posts discovered during the excavation allow archaeologists to assume its height reached at least 1.80 metres.

According to reports, the next phase of the excavation is going to include continuing with reconstructive work on the monument and the mosaic discovered recently, as well as relevant work to help support the structure.

The team that is working in Amphipolis discovered about 500 architectural units scattered around the monument which are now going to be reviewed very closely and then used to reconstruct it.

The news about the finding sent the international media in a frenzy. News networks such as the BBC, ABC News, Le Quotidien, Euronews, Reuters, Fox 28, Global Post, noted the breathtaking new discovery.

Here is a small sample of Wednesday's headlines

Euronews: “Greece: Tomb and skeleton discovered at ancient Amphipolis”.

BBC: “Amphipolis skeleton from Alexander’s time found in Greece”.

ABC News: “Skeleton Could Solve Riddle of Ancient Greek Tomb” and reports that “Bones from a skeleton found in the innermost chamber of a huge, looted tomb in Greece could help archaeologists solve the riddle of who was buried in opulent splendor there, around the end of the 4th century B.C. in the twilight of Alexander the Great’s reign”.

Reuters: “Skeletal remains found at tomb from Alexander the Great’s era”

Buenos Aires Herald: “Skeletal remains found at tomb from Alexander the Great’s era”

Global Post: “Urgent: Human skeleton discovered at Amphipolis tomb archaeological dig in northern Greece”

L’orient Le Jour: “Grèce: le tombeau antique d’Amphipolis dévoile enfin le squelette du défunt” (Greece: the ancient tomb of Amphipolis finally revealed the skeleton of the deceased).

Fox 28: “Skeleton could solve riddle of ancient Greek tomb”

Ouest France: “Grèce. Le tombeau antique d’Amphipolis dévoile le squelette du défunt” meaning The ancient tomb of Amphipolis reveals the skeleton of the deceased.

Discovery: “Skeleton Emerges From Mysterious Greek Tomb”. -

Meanwhile, the head of the excavations on Kasta Hill, in Amphipolis, told the media on Wednesday that the first phase of the excavations has been completed, however she noted that the tomb still has many, many secrets that will be revealed in the months to come.

     "It was completed in the best scientific way. We have an amazing tomb," Katerina Peristeri told reporters a few hours after the culture ministry announced that a skeleton had been discovered in the tomb.

Finally, it was also announced on Wednesday that Minister of Culture Konstantinos Tasoulas will be holding a press conference at the Amphipolis Museum on November 22 at 13:00, in the framework of briefing the media on the treasures that are being unearthed in Amphipolis as well as the next phase of the excavations. One week later, or specifically on November 29, chief archaeologist, Katerina Peristeri, and her colleagues will also hold a press conference to present the results of the excavating period at Kasta Hill, at the culture ministry, at 11:00.

(Combined Reports)

New Findings Unearthed From Unlooted Tomb in Vergina

An unlooted tomb, that appears to belong to a man who died during the time of Alexander the Great, has been discovered in Vergina (known as Aegae in ancient times). According to press reports, the tomb is unlooted and officials have unearthed many impressive findings, one of which appears to be a gold-platted bronze wreath.

Archeologist Angeliki Kottaridi, who is leading the excavations at the Aegae necropolis, said on Facebook that this Macedonian tomb has not been looted. This was indeed a pleasant surprise since the necropolis in Aegae had been plundered savagely by Pyrros’ mercenary Gauls in 276 BC.

In her Facebook message Kottaridi noted the importance of the findings and revealed that the man entombed died during the reign of Alexander the Great (336-323 BC). She said that the contains a wealth of burial offerings, which are now going to be exhibited in the new museum in Vergina.

She also uploaded two photos of the tomb, including an intricately detailed container that was used to mix wine with water at symposia, in order "to marvel the exceptional level of Macedonian metallurgy".

Archaeologists Plan To Use Technology to “Unlock” Amphipolis Secrets

It was reported that the Greek archaeologists who are currently excavating the site at Amphipolis have contacted the University of Thessaloniki in order to ask the Department of Geophysics for help in solving the mysteries of the mysterious tomb.

According to Greek press reports, Professor Grigoris Tsokas told the Ethnos newspaper that the Greek Culture Ministry has contacted the lab in order to find out if it would be willing to perform an electrical tomography on the Kasta Hill where the tomb is located.

The university lab’s head told the newspaper that the scientific team is positive about performing a tomography and added that the lab would be able to give the culture ministry the findings seven to ten days after they collect the data.

In other news, a new video that is currently circulating on the web and which was created by the “Ancient Greece 3D” team, presents the magnitude of the tomb in a slow 3D motion style and compares its enormity to that of the Acropolis, the Sphinxes in Egypt and even the Taj Mahal in India.

Meanwhile, famous blogger and well known British archaeologist Dorothy Lobel King said in a recent blog post that:

      "Greeks should be proud of both the monument formerly known as The Lion Tomb, and the work of the team there.
       Whether or not the monument at Amphipolis turns out to be a tomb or a heroon, and whether it was a simple monument or one of several, of course will only become clear as work progresses.
      To "purr with pleasure" is an English expression to show contentment, and one could argue that every find Katerina Peristeri makes at Amphipolis makes us "purr with pleasure."

We totally agree. Find her blog at: http://phdiva.blogspot.gr/

AMPHIPOLIS: If the tomb was looted, it belonged to someone important

The archaeologist in charge of the excavations in Amphipolis Katerina Peristeri was recently presented with the Macedonian Award of 2014 in Drama (northern Greece),  for her overall cultural and scientific contributions, particularly the recent findings in Amphipolis.

Regarding the ongoing excavations, Peristeri told journalist that “if the tomb has been looted, it means that someone very important is there, a very important person”. She also noted that the recent findings suggest that there is no opening towards a fourth chamber but she said that there are still "many mysteries which must be solved”.

She avoided elaborating on the identity of the person entombed, but she did say that many theories have already been drawn by many about it, and then stressed that patience and thorough work is necessary before coming to any conclusions.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture announced that fragments of the Sphinx statues have been located. Archaeologists working in the tomb in Amphipolis have made a new series of impressive discoveries which offer valuable clues in uncovering the secrets hidden within.

Amongst the recent findings are the head and fragments of the wings belonging to the two sphinx statues at the entrance of the tomb. According to state officials, these fragments are enough to restore the sphinx statues to their glory. In fact, the Greek Culture Ministry’s architect M. Lefantzis is expected to draft the relevant plans.

The discovery of the marble fragments, from the two sphinx statues that adorn the entrance to the tomb make officials believe that the tomb in Amphipolis may have been looted at some point, and later restored.

On the outside of the tomb, it was reported that archaeologists discovered a series of engravings which appear to have the signature of the tomb architects. The engravings feature Greek letters and support the theory that the tomb was constructed at some point in the 4th century BC.

Lastly, US archaeologist Dorothy King who has been following the excavations at Amphipolis, said on her blog recently (Dorothy King’s PhDiva) that “the empty rooms and dead end support a cenotaph and heroin for Alexander the Great, which was not reused for anyone else since doing so with such an important tomb might have seemed presumptuous.”

In her post, Ms. King notes that the chambers were probably used for a cult of Alexander whilst they waited for his body to come home.

     “The items once in there would have been removed before it was filled with soil to prevent it collapsing,” the historian described by The Guardian as “blonde, glamorous and a fearless hunter of treasures” said.

Based on the fact that the weight of the mound should not have been enough to make the chamber collapse if the rest of the core was solid, the archaeologist believes that there were other sets of rooms in the mound. She said she also is convinced that it is highly likely that there were other structures around the important tomb, whether the sarcophagi of later deceased or temples to heroes and gods.

(Combined news reports)

Phaistos Disk: Was It A Tribute to Minoan Crete's Mother-Goddess?

The Phaistos Disk, whose decoding has puzzled experts for more than a century now, is actually a prayer to a mother, according to Erasmus coordinator at the Technological Educational Institute (TEI) of Crete, Gareth Owens, who was speaking at the TEI of Western Macedonia earlier this week.

Describing it as "the first Minoan CD-ROM," he said the disk was discovered in 1908 at the palace of Phaistos, in the northeastern part of the Aegean Island of Crete.

The round clay object, dated close to 1700 B.C., apparently displays an unknown language on both sides which is carved in a circular fashion, from outside to the centre.

Dr. Owens says that there is a complex of signs found in three parts of one side of the disk spelling I-QE-KU-RJA (YGEIAN + AGAPI), with I-QE meaning "great lady of importance" while a key word appears to be AKKA, or "pregnant mother." One side is devoted to a pregnant woman and the other to a woman giving birth, he noted.

     "The most stable word and value is 'mother'," and in particular the mother-goddess of the Minoan era, to whom the disk is dedicated, stressed Owens.

He then noted the institution's web site, www.teicrete.gr/daidalika, where more than 242 signs can be viewed from both sides of the disk, based on 45 different signs. Owens says that there are too many to constitute an alphabet and too few to constitute a truly ideographic script, as is the case with Chinese.

Whatever the case, one thing is certain. The disk will continue to puzzle and fascinate scholars for eons to come.

Antikythera: New Discovories Show That Luxury Cargo Survives

IMAGE: Greek technical diver Alexandros Sotiriou discovers an intact "lagynos" ceramic table jug and a bronze rigging ring on the Antikythera Shipwreck. Credit: (Brett Seymour, Copyright: Return to Antikythera 2014)

A Greek and international team of divers and archaeologists has retrieved stunning new finds from an ancient Greek ship that sank more than 2,000 years ago off the remote island of Antikythera. The rescued antiquities include tableware, ship components, and a giant bronze spear that would have belonged to a life-sized warrior statue

A Greek and international team of divers and archaeologists has retrieved stunning new finds from an ancient Greek ship that sank more than 2,000 years ago off the remote island of Antikythera. The rescued antiquities include tableware, ship components, and a giant bronze spear that would have belonged to a life-sized warrior statue.

The Antikythera wreck was first discovered in 1900 by sponge divers who were blown off course by a storm. They subsequently recovered a spectacular haul of ancient treasure including bronze and marble statues, jewellery, furniture, luxury glassware, and the surprisingly complex Antikythera Mechanism. But they were forced to end their mission at the 55-meter-deep site after one diver died of the bends and two were paralyzed. Ever since, archaeologists have wondered if more treasure remains buried beneath the sea bed.

Now a team of international archaeologists including Brendan Foley of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Theotokis Theodoulou of the Hellenic Ephorate of Underwater Antiquities have returned to the treacherous site using state-of-the-art technology. During their first excavation season, from September 15 to October 7, 2014, the researchers have created a high-resolution, 3D map of the site using stereo cameras mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). Divers then recovered a series of finds which prove that much of the ship's cargo is indeed still preserved beneath the sediment.

Components of the ship, including multiple lead anchors over a metre long and a bronze rigging ring with fragments of wood still attached, prove that much of the ship survives. The finds are also scattered over a much larger area than the sponge divers realized, covering 300 meters of the seafloor. This together with the huge size of the anchors and recovered hull planks proves that the Antikythera ship was much larger than previously thought, perhaps up to 50 meters long.

     "The evidence shows this is the largest ancient shipwreck ever discovered," says Foley. "It's the Titanic of the ancient world."

The archaeologists also recovered a beautiful intact table jug, part of an ornate bed leg, and most impressive of all, a 2-meter-long bronze spear buried just beneath the surface of the sand. Too large and heavy to have been used as a weapon, it must have belonged to a giant statue, perhaps a warrior or the goddess Athena, says Foley. In 1901, four giant marble horses were discovered on the wreck by the sponge divers, so these could have formed part of a complex of statues involving a warrior in a chariot that was pulled by the four horses.

The shipwreck dates from 70 to 60 BC and is thought to have been carrying a luxury cargo of Greek treasures from the coast of Asia Minor west to Rome. Antikythera stands in the middle of this major shipping route and the ship probably sank when a violent storm smashed it against the island's sheer cliffs.

The wreck is too deep to dive safely using regular scuba equipment, so the divers had to use rebreather technology, in which carbon dioxide is scrubbed from the exhaled air while oxygen is introduced and recirculated. This allowed them to dive on the site for up to three hours at a time.

The archaeologists plan to return next year to excavate the site further and recover more of the ship's precious cargo. The finds, particularly the bronze spear, are "very promising," says Theodolou. "We have a lot of work to do at this site to uncover its secrets."

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Mass., dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Established in 1930 on a recommendation from the National Academy of Sciences, its primary mission is to understand the ocean and its interaction with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate a basic understanding of the ocean's role in the changing global environment. For more information, please visit http://www.whoi.edu.

Amphipolis: "Royal" Tomb Not Ruled Out - Discovery of Mosaic Only Increases Optimism

The impressive mosaic depicting the Abduction of Persephone by Pluto that was unearthed in Amphipolis earlier has fascinated people from all walks of life because of its unique detail and colors. According to a statement by Greece's Ministry of Culture, the mosaic in Amphipolis appears to have been inspired by a similar wall painting that was found in Vergina.

While the identity of the person for whom the tomb was constructed still remains a mystery, the archaeological team involved in the excavation works believe that it probably belongs to an important figure. The head of the archaeological dig, Katerina Peristeri, told journalists that the person entombed was “without a doubt extremely important”.

When further pressed by journalists, Peristeri noted that it was too early to determine whether the tomb belongs to a member of the royal Macedonian family, but she did point out that the tomb’s significance has now increased because of this latest discovery.

Asked about the circular gap in the middle of the mosaic work of art, Peristeri said that the damage does not appear to have been caused naturally, without further elaborating.

Meanwhile, Lina Mendoni, (the general secretary of the Ministry of Culture) reassured journalists that all the findings unearthed from the Amphipolis tomb would remain in the area. She wanted to dispel rumors that they were to be moved to other museums. Mendoni said that the Ministry’s policy is to return artifacts to the area where they were discovered, (including those that were uncovered from older digs).