This article gets updated constantly, as new findings of the Alexander the Great-era tomb surface from the Casta Hill in Amphipolis, Greece. The recent archaeological discoveries of Amphipolis have become known across the world. At first, archaeologists wondered whether Alexander the Great was buried in the largest tomb that has even been discovered in Greece. However, that theory was ruled out and people started wondering what secrets lie deep under the Casta hill. Here is the timeline of the latest Ancient Greek discoveries and the excavation progress, spearheaded by Greek archaeologist Katerina Peristeri: -September 10, 2014 [Latest] Three red and blue colored epistyles are discovered, approximately 80 to 100 centimeters long, with a height of 15 cm. They are found near the second diaphragmatic wall, behind the caryatids, covered in soil, and are quickly transferred to the Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis for security reasons. -September 6, 2014Two caryatids (sculpted female figures) of exceptional artistic value are unearthed. Specialists note that the new discovery further supports the view that the monument is of major Archaeological importance. According to a Culture Ministry announcement, the western caryatid’s face is saved almost intact, whereas the eastern’s face is missing. -August 31, 2014 A floor section made of irregular pieces of white marble on red background is discovered in the antechamber behind the sphinxes’ wall. The floor section is in excellent condition. The remains of a fresco with traces of blue coloring are also found on the first diaphragmatic wall behind the sphinxes. -August 26, 2014Part of the mosaic floor is revealed after the last piece of the sealing wall was removed. The floor is pebbled in front of the entrance, consisting of rectangular and square shapes, surrounded by black and white rhombs. -August 21, 2014 Under the sphinxes’ base, archaeologists find the upper portion of a marble doorway, covered with fresco, mimicking the Ionic epistyle, decorated with red, blue and black colors. It rests on two Ionic capitals, also painted with the same colors, crowning the pilasters that form the door frame. Culture Minister Konstantinos Tasoulas confirms that parts of the Sphinxes’ wings have also been found. -August 20, 2014 The Culture Ministry announces that the entrance is “guarded” by two marble sphinxes that have been completely unearthed. In addition they announce the discovery of another statue, a part of a Lion’s back, as well as a small part of the monument’s superstructure. -August 10, 2014 Archaeologists locate, and reach, the entrance of the ancient Greek tomb. -2012 Katerina Peristeri and her team brings the grand tomb circle to light, proving that Dimitris Lazaridis’ theory about Amphipolis was correct. -2009 Katerina Peristeri and her team restarts excavations at the Casta Hill in Amphipolis, Greece. -1956 Prominent Greek archaeologist Dimitris Lazaridis starts the first excavation at the site, and later suggests that there is an important burial complex under the Casta hill in Amphipolis. Lack of funds never allowed the operation to continue, however, by the time of his death in 1985, Lazaridis had discovered at least 70 ancient tombs in other locations. (Featured Photo credit: RaptisCG)
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