Head of sphinx found in ancient Amphipolis tomb raises concerns

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, October 23, 2014
Adjust font size:

New findings in the archaeological dig of the tomb dating to the era of Alexander the Great raised questions on Wednesday as to whether the ancient Amphipolis tomb was looted and whether the mysterious identity of the buried person would be solved.

This week, Greek archaeologists found the missing marble head of one of the two sphinxes guarding the entrance of the tomb inside the tomb's third chamber, according to the Greek Ministry of Culture.

The location of the head, which was far from the entrance of the tomb, strengthens the theory that the tomb may have been looted, according to some experts.

"Looters most likely broke the head and threw it. Many tombs have been looted in the past by treasure hunters," archaeologist Petros Themelis told Greek media on Wednesday.

But as long as the excavation is in full progress, nothing can be verified yet, his colleagues at the culture ministry underlined.

The head was largely intact apart from slight damage to the nose. It measures 60 cm from top to bottom, with wavy locks containing traces of red paint.

The sphinx also carries a basket on its head, or canephora, to hold up the dome at the entrance. Fragments of the sphinxes' wings were also found.

In the coming few days, the team will remove fallen limestone from the inside of the third tomb chamber, while parts of a newly uncovered gate will be revealed.

Since August, archaeologists have uncovered statues of sphinxes, Caryatids, a mosaic and other findings dating to the 4th century BC in the Amphipolis burial complex.

Based on these findings, Greek and foreign experts have presented many theories on the identity of the buried person in the tomb, but nobody can yet give an undisputed answer to the puzzle. Endit

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter