Amphipolis: Tombs, Sphinxes and Mosaics, Oh My!

If you have any connection or interest in archaeology, you have probably come across the amazing finds coming out of the Amphipolis Tomb, also known as the Kasta Tomb, located near Amphipolis and Nea Mesolakkia. For years people have been wondering who is buried in the tomb, with names such as Alexander the Great and Olympias in the pool of possibilities, and we are perhaps getting closer than ever to the answer.

Here’s a quick run down of all the amazing finds, courtesy of the AIA Vancouver Society!

(source: http://makedonia-alexandros.blogspot.gr)

A limestone wall in front of the entrance protects the tomb and everything within it. The entire structure was originally topped by the Lion of Amphipolis, which led the archaeologists to suggest that perhaps the Tomb could be for one of Alexander’s Generals, since Lions are usually associated with battle.

The entrance to the Tomb has an arch with two headless and wingless Sphinxes, but now one of the heads has been discovered within the marble threshold in the third chamber. The first chamber has provided several examples of floor and column design, with traces of paints, in particular the discovery of the column capitals. After the first chamber, they have also found two Caryatids, which have a height of 2.27 metres, with marble bases and remains of red paint. The face of the West Caryatid in particular is almost intact.

(source: http://www.theamphipolistomb.com/pt/phpThumb.php?src=/files/eastsphinx2.jpg&hash=b91feff45d91f37320d9754eec1e6906)

(source: http://www.theamphipolistomb.com/pt/phpThumb.php?src=/files/l_14980.jpg&hash=8d3c45ed2a189a55eb927807cda88b96)

The second chamber has yielded a find equally as interesting: a mosaic depicting the abduction of Persephone. It is beautifully and colorfully rendered, and almost intact. Other figures include Hermes and the white horses of Hades’ chariot.

(source: http://www.theamphipolistomb.com/pt/phpThumb.php?src=/files/p1.jpg&hash=d94743830709bda72f995e7e5cfbad63)

Currently, excavations are underway in the third chamber, as they attempt to reach the fourth chamber. Answers to the mysteries of the tomb are closer to being reached than ever, so be sure to continue checking for any more news!

To many more finds to come,

The AIA Vancouver Society Volunteers

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Our next lecture, The Woman Who Would be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by UCLA's Kara Cooney will be on Tuesday, November 18, so mark your calendar if you haven't already!

For more news, details and pictures on the Amphipolis Tomb, be sure to check out http://www.theamphipolistomb.com/

For any more archaeology news, check out http://www.archaeology.org/