Greek excavation reveals statues, fuelling speculation over tomb

Archaeologists have uncovered two impressive sculptures standing guard at the inner entrance of a tomb from the era of Alexander the Great, local media reported on Monday (08/09/2014).

The discovery is part of a massive archaeological dig in the northern Greek town of Amphipolis that has enraptured the nation and sparked a flurry of rumours about what could be inside it.

The sculptures are in the shape of female figures, or Caryatids. They are dressed in long-sleeved tunics and have thick curly hair covering their shoulders, according to the daily Kathimerini.

Archaeologists said the face of one of the marble Caryatids is almost in intact, while the other is missing.

Both are sculpted with the same technique used for the heads and wings of two sphinxes found last month guarding the main entrance of the tomb, according to a Culture Ministry statement.

"The structure of the second entrance with the Caryatids is an important finding, which supports the view that it is a prominent monument of great importance," the statement said.

"The left arm of one and the right arm of the other are raised in a symbolic gesture to refuse entry to the tomb."

The recent find has increased speculation that the tomb, which dates from 356-323 BC, may be untouched, with its treasures intact.

Even though archaeologists are not yet sure who the burial tomb belongs to, many are waiting with bated breath until the site is fully excavated in case it houses one of the most prominent figures in ancient history: Alexander the Great.

While the Greek Culture Ministry says the 590 metre-long tomb is unlikely to belong to the warrior king himself - who died in 323 BC after launching a military campaign through the Middle East, Asia and northeast Africa - it marks the largest of its kind ever discovered in Greece.

The precise location of Alexander the Great's grave has remained one of the key mysteries of archaeology. He died in Babylon at the age of 32, and some experts think he was likely buried in Alexandria, Egypt.

Nevertheless, his wife, Roxanne and their son Alexander were exiled to Amphipolis following his death and murdered there along with his mother, brother and sister-in-law, leading some experts to believe their remains may be discovered there.

Another theory is that the grave may have belonged to a senior official. - Sapa-dpa