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)
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