Greek Ministry of Culture, Press Release 21-10-2014

translated from the Greek Ministry of Culture

original source: http://www.yppo.gr/2/g22.jsp?obj_id=58894

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21 October, 2014

Ongoing excavations by KH Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, the Kasta Tomb, Amphipolis. On Saturday (18/10) and Monday (20/10) the excavation proceeded across the inside surface of the fourth area (4,5Ch6m.) And a depth of 5.20 m. Than the top of the dome.

Today, a trial trench (2Ch2m.), At the entrance of the fourth space, and depth 0.45M. In front, in this area revealed two sections, the western wing of the door, and which belong together (photo 1.2). The first is dimensioned 0,89CH1,49CH0,15 and second 0,89CH1,30CH0,15.

Also discovered in the northern part of the marble threshold, which has a total length 2,15m. width of 1.6 m. and a thickness of 0.25m. (Photo 3) bears curved depressions for the insertion of metal rails that facilitate the movement of the door leaves marble. As is clear from this section here was limestone flooring, bearing white coating. On either side of the threshold identified, in situ, the limestone floor. On the east side of the intersection of the floor appears to have collapsed, while to the west the floor is damaged and fallen stones of the inside of the cut (photo 4).

At a depth of 0.15. the surface of the threshold identified and revealed the marble head of the Sphinx. (Photo 5,6,7,8) is intact with minimal breakage nose. Its height is 0.60 m. Identical head and attached to the trunk of the Eastern Sphinx, which was inlaid. Facing the entrance and bear pole. At the bottom of the neck survives undamaged section of the bearing at the point of insertion of the trunk. She has wavy locks, bearing traces of red color, which fall in the left shoulder, and retained a thin film. This magnificent art sculpture. Also found fragments of the wings of the Sphinxes.

Over the next few days planned removal of fallen limestone slabs from within the third space and the parts of the door that described. At the same time, we strengthened propping to continue excavations in the remaining area of the third space.