WHAT LIES BENEATH
IT was touted as
the biggest, most significant archaeological find in decades: Six months later,
what have we learned from excavations at the massive Amphipolis complex?
The first three
rooms have been exposed, but we still don’t know whom the tomb was built for,
or even if it was a tomb: It could have been a memorial.
But a new scan
of the Amphipolis mound, known as Kasta Hill, indicates the massive ancient
monument may contain much more.
The Greek
Ministry of Culture yesterday released the results of a geophysical
(ground-piercing radar and electrical) survey. The extensive study, which began
on November 11, is still undergoing computer processing.
So far, four
areas of “especially high electrical resistance” have been identified,
indicating the possible presence of further structures beneath.
These new
“hot spots” have been identified as priority sites for anticipated new
excavation efforts in the next Northern Hemisphere summer.
The geophysical
survey results follow a 1999 seismic tomography study of the mound —
essentially measuring the distortions of sound passing through the earth to
build up a subterranean map. This study, abandoned due to lack of funds, also
suggests there may be a series of structures underneath the soil and rubble.
If confirmed,
such structures will resolve what archaeologists have been suspecting since
this year’s dig began: That this remote hill is in fact a complex set of
separate constructions — not just an enormous earth-covered mound for a single
burial chamber.
The already
excavated tomb is also scheduled to undergo further geophysical scanning, the
ministry states, in order to discover any further concealed secrets.
ANCIENT
WORK OF GENIUS
The Greek
archaeologists examining the Amphipolis tomb complex have expressed their
belief that it may have been the work of a single architect.
One candidate
for the enormously ambitious project is Alexander’s personal architect,
Deinocrates (which translates to Master of Marvels). The Greek Reporter argues
he had the vision, having already proposed sculpting the whole of Mount Athos
into the reclining form of the great general.
The only
complication is that Deinocrates primarily worked in Egypt, on the construction
of the city of Alexandria. But links have been drawn between the distinct
edging of stonework found in both locations, as well as similarities in the
local ancient road plan, to support the theory.
Likewise, the
imposing mosaic of the second chamber also has declared astoundingly intricate
and detailed for the era. Despite missing a large circular section at its
centre (archaeologists say many of the fragments have been recovered), it is
clearly the work of a master artist.
Then there are the faded
paintings found on the architraves of the third chamber.
Pictures
released earlier this month appear to show a man and a woman, wearing red belts
or sashes on golden loincloths, dancing among bulls. Another image shows a
winged goddess standing between an urn and a brazier. The chamber’s ceilings
were covered with rosettes.
According to
The Greek Reporter, this imagery has been linked to another royal sanctuary of
the era — in Macedon. The Sanctuary of the Great Gods on Samothrace was an
island complex associated with bull sacrifice and heavily adorned with stone
rosettes. Also found there was the famous statue of Nike — the winged goddess
of victory.
It was also a
cult strongly associated with Alexander’s mother and father.
BONE
WHISPERERS
Amid the most
significant find announced during the excavation was that of a scattered
skeleton and fragments of a wooden coffin decorated with bone and glass in the
third chamber.
“The bones were
found inside and outside the burial pit,” a Greek government official told
reporters in November. “The skull was quite some distance away from the pit,
the lower jaw was just outside the pit and the largest part of the skeleton was
inside the pit. A close look shows that the legs and arms are almost intact,
rib bones and parts of the spine as well as the pelvic bones are in fragmentary
condition, therefore it is impossible for archaeologists to say if they belong
to a man or a woman.”
Despite the
supporting assertion by chief archaeologist Katerina Peristeri that she has no
idea as to the identity of the skeleton, speculation is running rampant.
The remains, said to be still covered in earth to ensure their preservation,
have yet to be reassembled to a suitable state for the identification of key
gender features.
The Greek
government again last week sought to dispel rumours that the bones had already
been identified as belonging to a 54-year-old woman. Such details would place
the tomb squarely in the domain of Alexander the Great’s mother, Olympias.
SOURCE : http://www.news.com.au/
