Studies by archaeologists, geologists, historians
and other scientists will have to provide more information but it is estimated
that their work may take up to five years.
While most of the media attention goes
to what is hidden under the huge mound of Kasta Hill,
other works are being carried out at nearby Lake Kerkini 1936 a
dam was built here, workers used (re-used) loose stone blocks that laid around
and which now have been identified as belonging to the Tomb of Kasta Hill/Amphipolis.
It seems that the level of Lake Kerkini
More about this intriguing story is analyzed in depth by Andrew Chugg is his most recent article Lingering Mysteries of the Amphipolis Tomb.
[Pictures from the Greek Ministry of Culture]
More about this intriguing story is analyzed in depth by Andrew Chugg is his most recent article Lingering Mysteries of the Amphipolis Tomb.
[Pictures from the Greek Ministry of Culture]
The best identified inscriptions on the blocks are names, probably graffiti from the soldiers(?) or people that moved the blocks from the round wall in the past. Inscription is only visible on the marble blocks from the wall. The blocks having pieces of a shield or other things found in the same region with the blocks have nothing written. The only exception is a small part of a Macedonian tomb entrance, also residing next to the lion with some wall blocks, which shows some individual letters on top (most piecies were originally found together near the lion, in the river and formed a dam.Different parts probably came from different locations).
ReplyDeleteThe names of the blocks use ligatures (two letters combined in one symbol) or they also write "Σ" as "C". The first are post-hellenistic, the second date from the 4th century BC, but are most common in roman times or later. So, inscriptions on the blocks removed from the wall are probably not from its construction.
If I understand this correctly, we cannot expect any of these inscriptions leading to the name of a possible occupant of the tomb? It would have been too nice to be true!
DeleteYou never know - there should be more marbles in the bottom of the Strymon, I hope they d some underwater search at some point. But at least in the existing blocks, most (if not all) inscriptions are post-dating the monument, possibly by centuries. Maybe there is more info on the blocks that are still on the round wall...
DeleteGee, I thought they'd checked the surrounding wall for inscriptions or possible indications as to the owner of the tomb? Maybe I'm mistaking ...
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