Archaeologists excavating the large burial mound in northern Greece have asked politicians and tourists seeking guided tours of the site to leave them in peace. The Culture Ministry appealed for “understanding” Thursday while the Amphipolis excavation proceeds. The partially uncovered tomb, from the end of Greek warrior-king Alexander the Great’s reign, has captivated the public imagination, fuelling wild speculation that it may contain rich treasure and the bones of an ancient celebrity. So far, archaeologists have uncovered part of the late 4th Century BC tomb’s entrance with two large stone sphinxes. Amphipolis Sphinxes’ wings found, Culture Minister says On Thursday, Culture Minister Konstantinos Tasoulas, referring to the Amphipolis excavations, stressed the need to promote the Greek culture so that the country wins the place it deserves once again. “In response to these developments and the great interest expressed in Greece and abroad for this unique monument, it is worth considering again the issue of highlighting our culture, the pride that our culture offers us, the issue of protecting our culture along with its development, so that Greece can regain the place it deserves,” Tasoulas said. Tasoulas confirmed that parts of the wings of the Sphinxes were found, adding that the excavation works continue and may take two weeks or more before drawing definite conclusions saying that “in archaeology, facts count and not speculations.” The total uncovering of the marble Sphinxes found at the Casta hill in Amphipolis, the discovery of a part of Amphipolis Lion’s back, as well a small part of the monument’s superstructure in the archaeological excavations were announced by the Culture Ministry on Wednesday. (source: AP, ana-mpa)
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