Excavation work at Amphipolis reveals section of marble mosaic floor
Excavation work at the site of Ancient Amphipolis, in central Macedonia, has revealed a mosaic of random while marble pieces against a red background, the Ministry of Culture has said.
The mosaic, part of the tomb’s floor, was uncovered after archeologists at the site removed debris from the antechamber and was said to be in very good condition. It lies behind the two headless and wingless seated sphinxes that guarded the tomb.
The tomb dates between 325 B.C. – two years after the death of ancient Greek warrior-king Alexander the Great – and 300 B.C. Its discovery and a visit there by Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras have sparked extensive speculation on its contents.
A hole in a marble wall concealing one or more inner chambers and signs of forced entry outside the huge barrel-vaulted structure suggest that the tomb was plundered long ago. The excavation will continue for weeks. [Combined reports]
