The large site with its newly-discovered monumental wall protecting a tomb dated to the fourth century BC is not only one of the most talked about sites on earth at the moment, the findings in Amphipolis and the revelations that are yet to come -on who is buried inside the tomb - only prove that the Greece still has many wonders and secrets to share with the world.
The excavations resumed on Monday morning after a long weekend celebrating Dormition day (August 15).
The large site, with its monumental wall protecting a tomb dated from the 4th century B.C., has been closed to the public and has been under heavy police guard.
Architect Michalis Lefantzis arrived at the site early on Monday morning in order to participate in the efforts which are being headed by lead archaeologist Katerina Peristeri.
The biggest concern right now is that the wall, which is created from limestone, may become brittle if there is water in the tomb or if the weight of the stone structures over the burial mound force the area to cave in. In either case, some of the stones from the lower rows of the protective wall have been crushed and there is fear that the tons of earth held in place may cave in once the wall is removed. To avoid any safety hazards, archaeologists are considering using small forklifts.
Meanwhile, archaeologists refuted some reports claiming that cranes have been called in to remove the bodies of the two headless sphinxes-lions guarding the tomb. From what we learn here at HellasFrappe, they are instead using a special crane to detach the marble plates in front and next to the Sphinxes, which are projected to weigh half tonne each.
If all goes well, then the researchers will in no time identify the person buried there based on bones, gender and other such data. But until then mums the word and any details about the excavation is completely confidential.
So much so that the only authority that has the power to make any announcement regarding the developments at the site is the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sport, so it is no wonder why it only heightens the intrigue about who is buried there both domestically and internationally. This is probably why the BBC is sending a crew to the site in the next few days in order to cover all the developments as they occur.
The only information that we were able to mass here at HellasFrappe states that a large number of tourists visited the area last weekend to observe the archaeological finds. In fact there were so many people in the area that the Amphipolis Museum posted a record high in visitors. Everyone wanted to marvel over the exhibits but mostly take a peak at the excavation site. Some were able to do so, but obviously from a distance with the aid of a special telescopic lens.
No one has a clue what is buried behind the walls, but, from what we read in the Greek press, archaeologists are hoping to find mythical wealth there. Let us keep in mind that this site is close to the city of Amphipolis which at one time was very rich on account of its gold reserves. Also, if it is the burial site of one of Alexander’s commanders then it too will also contain priceless treasures.
The only concern is that the tomb could have also been looted years ago. In fact the Sunday Edition of To Vima said that Peristeri apparently used a microcamera to take a peak inside the tomb and she detected faces on a metal roof, as well as noted backfilling.
Some estimate that the discovery is similar to that of Philip’s tomb by professor Andronikos in the 1970s, which was a great contribution to the efforts of the Greek government at the time in the Macedonian dispute.
Indeed. when everything seems bleak in our corner of the world, such as the Arab Spring, the war in Syria, the uprisings in the Middle East, the Russian embargo, the crisis in Ukraine, the tragic events unfolding in Iraq, the slaughtering of Christians and the bombings in Gaza and Israel, the announcement of a discovery of an ancient tomb that is dated to the time of Alexander the Great is in some way helping Greeks to overcome their misery and in some cases even giving them a sense of hope.
The optimism is a breath of fresh air. It couldn't have arrived at a better time. After four long years of austerity, the Troika, and being badly criticized all over the globe, Greeks just might begin to gain their pride back - just as Alexander would have intended them to do.
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