according to Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaris

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28758920

Who could be buried there?

Heavens the Beeb are stingy with photos Trike, here are some more. The entrance to the tomb appears to be guarded by twin sphinxes or lions

http://en.protothema.gr/vast-tomb-at-amphipolis-is-an-important-discovery/

Roxanne and Alexander IV are two possible candidates being suggested as occupants of the burial mound.

Thanks, ID

Thanks, ID.

Kind regards, Paul.

A little more on the excavation at Amphipolis, archaeologists are attempting to enter the tomb but have run into some problems with stability


http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-the-two-sphinxes-guarding-the-tomb-are-removed/

And further, mosaic floor found inside the entrance to the tomb but the findings so far are raising more questions

A mosaic floor with geometrical rhombus shapes is featured behind the wall right up until the door of the tomb. The design is intact, retaining the ancient colors and its original coating. Archaeologists ascertain that if the tomb had ever been looted in the past, then the robbers had not entered from this point. The main question is whether the roof of the tomb is untouched as it is possible that the overlying soil could have subsided and filled the grave.

Furthermore, there is mystery as to why the two Sphinx guardians of the tomb are headless, without wings and with traces of red paint at their feet.

More in the report here http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-findings-raise-more-questions/

Thank you Islanddawn for this nearly in real time commentaries.

Kind regards, Paul.

Indeed. Thanks, ID.

It's no trouble as we are getting daily reports on the dig, it is doubtful that the foreign press will cover the dig in such detail. Only problem is finding English translations of the articles and the Protothema site seems to be giving the best updates and pictures I've found so far. Here is today's installment

http://en.protothema.gr/the-marble-sphinxes-in-amphipolis-were-totally-revealed/

Edit. No I tell a lie, there are two reports today

The revered archaeologist wonders if the burial mound contains a larger complex of tombs

The entire world is stumped about the identity inside the burial mound at ancient Amphipolis with speculation soaring. “Such a tomb can’t bear more than one grave,” said revered Greek Classical Archaeologist Professor Petros Themelis*  of the University of Crete, known for his excavations in ancient Messinia.

http://en.protothema.gr/archaeologist-p-themelis-amphipolis-cant-be-just-for-one-person/

And today's update http://en.protothema.gr/what-was-revealed-today-in-amphipolis/.




PS. You may have noted that most reports have grammar and/or spelling mistakes which should be ignored as they are translated from the Greek and sometimes not very well. Although I'm quite annoyed at the typos, there isn't an excuse for that in a publication.

I also appreciate your time and effort in kindly posting these updates ID.  As for the "typos", have they been translated by one of the computer translators such as "Babblefish"? I think I mentioned this on another thread but when I was looking at a continental sewing pattern site (not in English), the translator instead of saying "bust size xxxx" gave the English version of "udder size xxxx". [By the way, in case anybody from Babblefish's legal department reads this I'm not saying the translator in question was Babblefish; in all honestly I can't remember which translator it was - "Babblefish" was one I could remember randomly).

It is the English edition of a Greek language newspaper LIR, and the translations are theirs from their Greek articles. I'd imagine that they are using some sort of online translator and then correcting the mistakes that inevitably will appear in automatic translations. Although not very well at times, it must be said.    

But of course, all online translators are a bit dodgy as they translate literally which can be very amusing at times.....

I'm grateful for the updates as well, ID, keep it up please.

The latest update from the Ministry of Culture on excavations at Amphipolis

http://en.protothema.gr/ancient-amphipolis-tomb-entrance-gradually-revealed/

I love the egg and dart cornice, that's exactly the same as I had in my last house. Now I wish I'd gone for a nifty terracotta colour rather than boring white.

Today's progress http://en.protothema.gr/two-more-rooms-were-dug-up-in-the-amphipolis-site/

Disappointed at the lack of photos in today's article though, they are the best bit.

This site has the pictures from yesterday's excavation, but I haven't time now to run it through a translator for you. Hopefully later, or you can do it yourselves also

http://www.mixanitouxronou.gr/apokalifthike-oli-i-prosopsi-tou-tafikou-mnimiou-tis-amfipolis-entiposiazoun-i-fotografies/?fb_action_ids=817169708314682&fb_action_types=og.likes

Update on yesterday's progress, with more photos and a video.

Edit. It would help if I post the link. http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-within-the-prothalamos-see-photos-and-video/

PS. Might be best to turn down the sound on the video too. The music is just a tad over the top.

And today a pebble floor was revealed in a geometric pattern with black & white diamonds.

http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-pebbled-floor-came-to-light/

Thanks ID.

I noticed in the side bar of shame:-
                             
                                             
     
Is it too wrong of me to say, I just love it!

The archaeologists are tightlipped despite rampant rumors of plundering and wild speculation about who is buried inside

http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-pebbled-mosaic-and-a-smorgasbord-of-speculation/

Still waiting for a press release from the Ministry of Culture on yesterday's happenings at Amphipolis, but in the meantime we have an aerial video of the site which gives a clear idea of how massive this mound is.


http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-video-reveals-the-size-and-the-grandeur-of-the-excavations-watch-video/

Still no update on the excavations at Amphipolis, it seems that now the archaeologists are inside the tomb they are hoarding their secrets. I don't trust this sudden silence after all the fuss of the last couple of weeks, hopefully it is only because the excessive media attention was making life very difficult for the archaeologists with bus loads of people and press turning up at the dig site demanding tours and interviews. With the summer season almost over I'd imagine they are trying to get as much done as possible before the rains arrive and having to shut down for the year.

Here we have the confessions of a looter, the article is badly translated and the elderly man recounting his story is a bit too full of his own self importance and justifications, but it is still a fascinating look into the world of the illegal antiquities trade. It is now difficult to hold out much hope that this current tomb hasn't been robbed previously.

http://en.protothema.gr/amfipolis-a-long-story-of-exploitation-and-theft-revealed/

New photos and news from Amphipolis

http://en.protothema.gr/entering-amphipolis-tomb-plundered-or-not/

And a new vestibule and the entrance to two new chambers found.

http://en.protothema.gr/new-discoveries-come-to-light-the-tomb-of-amphipolis-in-a-daily-basis/

PS. I think they might mean apse, not wasps or even asps. Doubt there would be a nest of wasps in there.

Thanks again for all these regular updates, ID

A recognisable Egyptian influence in the tomb has astonished archaeologists.

http://en.protothema.gr/all-about-amphipolis-egyptian-style-c-p-r-scanning-and-mathematical-equations-see-photos/

Two caryatids of Thassian marble discovered

http://en.protothema.gr/amazing-new-findings-in-amphipolis-two-caryatids-adorned-the-tomb/

A case put forth for Olympias being buried in the tomb.

http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/09/07/is-the-mother-of-alexander-the-great-in-the-tomb-at-amphipolis/

Ok, finally I think I've found a site that is writing proper analysis (in English) of the finds at Amphipolis, rather than the standard press releases which are giving no scholarly input or description at all.

Haven't read it thoroughly myself yet but this blog from archaeologist Dorothy King seems interesting, plus there are other links and older articles to explore

http://phdiva.blogspot.it/

FAQ answering some of the many questions pertaining to the tomb and excavations, 

http://en.protothema.gr/faq-ancient-tomb-of-amphipolis/

And a geological study of the site

http://en.protothema.gr/ancient-amphipolis-seismic-tomography-of-the-tomb/

Placing finds in context, the first representation of the tomb excavated to date released by the architect of the Ministry of Culture.

The Caryatids fully emerge from the soil. Sphinxes and Caryatids are an indication that the tomb could belong to a female.

http://en.protothema.gr/the-amphipolis-caryatids-display-a-full-body-stature/

And to explain the significance of the position of their arms, there has been quite a debate amongst archaeologists whether the arms of the Caryatids are 'outstretched' as opposed to 'extended'. Would have thought there are better things to quibble about but there you go

http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-the-enigma-of-the-caryatids-arms/

And a good video here of the tomb to date based on official photographs

http://phdiva.blogspot.it/2014/09/video-of-amphipolis-discoveries.html

PS. It states in the video that the hole in the septal wall means the tomb may have been looted but I disagree. The stone block that fits the hole is visisble on the ground outside the wall and unless the dead were trying to get out surely the stone would be lying on the inside if it were robbers gaining entry from outside? If the tomb has been looted they wouldn't have come through via the main entrance with all it's blockages and sealing walls anyway?

And more

http://en.protothema.gr/ancient-amphipolis-piecing-the-puzzle/

The partial removal of the soil behind the Caryatids has exposed a well sculptured marble lintel

http://en.protothema.gr/new-photos-of-amphipolis-tomb/

Updated representation, press release and photographs from the Ministry of Culture.



http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-third-chamber-in-danger-of-caving-in/

To give an idea of where all these pics fit in relation to the tomb there is an interactive map here, just click on the red boxes to bring up the relevant photograph. 

http://www.theamphipolistomb.com/plan

Islanddawn, thank you for all the work you have done till now.

Kind regards and with esteem, Paul.

Thanks Paul, but it honestly it is not a problem. I'm following the dig anyway and it is very easy to simply post the link here for others. I'm just happy that there is interest.

Nothing new yet as the third chamber is unstable and the team are doing a lot of work stablising the construction before they can proceed but Head Archaeologist at the site has given an interview answering some of the theories that have been floating around. She also said that the tomb indisputably dates back to 4th century BC.



Lead archaeologist K. Peristeri believes that if the tomb had been plundered, then the tomb raiders’ bones are still inside


Archaeologist Katerina Peristeri, head of the excavation at the ancient tomb of Amphipolis, made statements to the media on Thursday refuting that the tomb is Roman and rejecting scenarios that it had been plundered in the past.

She said:

Quote :

“The Tomb is Macedonian. We have all the proof for that. It’s futile for some people to say that it is Roman. I feel indignation against some colleagues of mine that speak to the TV channels, just for 5-minutes on prime time TV without knowing anything about the excavation.”

She put an end to speculation concerning the tomb having been plundered in the past, stating that if that is the case then the tomb raiders bones will also be found during the excavation due to the safety mechanisms incorporated into the tomb during its design.

On Monday, specialists had stated that the tomb needs new methods of support based on measurements using highly specialized instruments that calculate variables such as equilibrium, strength, temperature etc. Ms. Peristeri pointed out that the work at the excavation is also causing archaeologists to look at new methods.

The scientific team has reviewed their initial calculations concerning the entry into the third chamber as entry from the top of the diaphragmatic hall is neither practical nor safe because it would require the removal of a further one of the blocks to be drilled away.

It was decided to subtract soil from the ionic-styled doorframes as was done in the third monument, an extremely tedious task that requires care so as not to disturb the balance of the monument.

This is brilliant for anyone interested, an archaeologist willing to take the time to answer questions sensibly based on evidence to date and not expound some personal theory.

http://phdiva.blogspot.it/2014/09/quick-answers-about-amphipolis_20.html
and Part II
http://phdiva.blogspot.it/2014/09/amphipolis-your-questions-my-answers.html

PS. The references to the tomb belonging to Alexander the Great is in answer to the theory of an historian here http://www.theamphipolistomb.com/news/1  . And the tomb being Roman is in answer to another archaeologist (one not involed in the excavation at all) who has stated her belief that the tomb is Roman not Macedonian. http://www.theamphipolistomb.com/news/14

Thanks again for your "continuous" documents, Islanddawn.

With esteem, Paul.

New photos and architectural representation released. The full length of the caryatids are revealed and they are stunning. I dare say there will be explanations of the photos and a more detailed progress report as the days go on.

http://en.protothema.gr/see-the-caryatids-of-amphipolis-tomb/

A bit of fun, the toes of the Caryatids

http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-the-telling-toes-of-the-caryatids-photos-video/



PS. I have Roman toes.

Another new doorway is discovered in the north wall of the third chamber, although this one is different from the previous, it is narrower and is not set in the centre of the wall, rather to the left. 



http://en.protothema.gr/could-the-4th-chamber-hold-the-key-to-the-amphipolis-enigma-see-photos/

And further there is now talk of the existance of a flight of stairs and the next chamber at a lower level.



http://en.protothema.gr/the-third-chamber-is-underground-and-has-a-flight-of-stairs/

I'm not an engineer but I'd imagine that if the 3rd chamber is unstable due to the weight of the earth above then another chamber further into the mound and one at a deeper level into the ground would only be straining under even greater pressure?

Edit. Just a thought, could this new door have been made narrower in order to sustain that weight from above? A larger entry certainly wouldn't, as with the caryatid lintel which has cracked through the centre.

Well the tomb must be an important discovery, it has made the Daily Wail.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2756741/What-lies-tombs-chamber-Archaeologists-inside-Alexander-Great-tomb-collapse.html

I found the article dated, disjointed and confusing though, terrible for those only reading about it for the first time.

And I protest the misleading use of Alexander the Great in the title and the mention of finding 'treasure'. The bloody treasure is the tomb itself, it's art, architecture and what it tells us about who is buried there. Grrrrrrr Plus the lack of any mention of the work engineers have done and are in the process of doing to stabalise the structure and therefore implying that the tomb is on the point of collapse.

Whilst there are theories abounding (no less than 14 apparently) over who is occupant of the tomb, everyone from ancient aliens (I kid you not and we can thank Discovery for than one) to Alexander the Great himself I've deliberately stayed away from them all in favour of letting the science speak for itself. 

Construction of the the tomb undoubtedly began during the reign of Alexander but doubtfully completed by the time of his death. And there are, of course, the accounts that Alexander was buried at Alexandria. However we have the words of Alexander himself documented by Arrian of Nicomedia and some are pointing to this passage as proof that he is buried at Amphipolis. Personally I'm not convinced but I was fascinated by the speach none the less, largely as a comparative exercise on how attitudes have changed. No general or leader would get away with this sort of thing today.

Quote :

“For though I inherited from my father only a few gold and silver goblets, and there were not even sixty talents in the treasury, and though I found myself charged with a debt of 500 talents owing by Philip, and I was obliged myself to borrow 800 talents in addition to these, I started from the country which could not decently support you, and forthwith laid open to you the passage of the Hellespont, though at that time the Persians held the sovereignty of the sea. Having overpowered the satraps of Darius with my cavalry, I added to your empire the whole of Ionia, the whole of Aeolis, both Phrygias and Lydia, and I took Miletus by siege. All the other places I gained by voluntary surrender, and I granted you the privilege of appropriating the wealth found in them. The riches of Egypt and Cyrene, which I acquired without fighting a battle, have come to you. Coele-Syria, Palestine, and Mesopotamia are your property. Babylon, Bactra, and Susa are yours. The wealth of the Lydians, the treasures of the Persians, and the riches of the Indians are yours; and so is the External Sea. You are viceroys, you are generals, you are captains. What then have I reserved to myself after all these labours, except this purple robe and this diadem? I have appropriated nothing myself, nor can any one point out my treasures, except these possessions of yours or the things which I am guarding on your behalf. Individually, however, I have no motive to guard them, since I feed on the same fare as you do, and I take only the same amount of sleep. Nay, I do not think that my fare is as good as that of those among you who live luxuriously; and I know that I often sit up at night to watch for you, that you may be able to sleep.”

“But some one may say, that while you endured toil and fatigue, I have acquired these things as your leader without myself sharing the toil and fatigue. But who is there of you who knows that he has endured greater toil for me than I have for him? Come now, whoever of you has wounds, let him strip and show them, and I will show mine in turn; for there is no part of my body, in front at any rate, remaining free from wounds; nor is there any kind of weapon used either for close combat or for hurling at the enemy, the traces of which I do not bear on my person. For I have been wounded with the sword in close fight, I have been shot with arrows, and I have been struck with missiles projected from engines of war; and though oftentimes I have been hit with stones and bolts of wood for the sake of your lives, your glory, and your wealth, I am still leading you as conquerors over all the land and sea, all rivers, mountains, and plains. I have celebrated your weddings with my own, and the children of many of you will be akin to my children. Moreover I have liquidated of all those who had incurred them, without inquiring too closely for what purpose they were contracted, though you received such high pay, and carry off so much booty whenever there is booty to be got after a siege. Most of you have golden crowns, the eternal memorials of your valour and of the honour you receive from me. Whoever has been killed has met with a glorious end and has been honoured with a splendid burial. Brazen statues of most of the slain have been erected at home, and their parents are held in honour) being released from all public service and from taxation. But no one of you has ever been killed in flight under my leadership. And now I was intending to send back those of you who are unfit for service, objects of envy to those at home; but since you all wish to depart, depart all of you! Go back and report at home that your king Alexander, the conqueror of the Persians, Medes, Bactrians, and Sacians; the man who has subjugated the Uxians, Arachotians, and Drangians; who has also acquired the rule of the Parthians, Chorasmians, and Hyrcanians, as far as the Caspian Sea; who has marched over the Caucasus, through the Caspian Gates; who has crossed the rivers Oxus and Tanais, and the Indus besides, which has never been crossed by any one else except Dionysus; who has also crossed the Hydaspes, Acesines, and Hydraotes, and who would have crossed the Hyphasis, if you had not shrunk back with alarm; who has penetrated into the Great Sea by both the mouths of the Indus; who has marched through the desert of Gadrosia, where no one ever before marched with an army; who on his route acquired possession of Carmania and the land of the Oritians, in addition to his other conquests, his Beet having in the meantime already sailed round the coast of the sea which extends from India to Persia-report that when you returned to Susa you deserted him and went away, handing him over to the protection of conquered foreigners. Perhaps this report of yours will be both glorious to you in the eyes of men and devout I ween in the eyes of the gods. Depart!”

“Then those of the Macedonians who were unfit for service on account of age or any other misfortune went back of their own accord, to the number of about 10,000. To these Alexander gave the pay not only for the time which had already elapsed, but also for that which they would take in returning home. He also gave to each man a talent in addition to his pay.“

The depth of the third chamber of the tomb is unfathomable, and as yet the team have not found the floor. The head archaeologist announced a few days ago that they will close down excavations in one month for the remainder of the season.  Hopefully they'll at least reach bottom by then so we are not left hanging as to where the ancients are leading us until next year.

http://en.protothema.gr/amphipolis-3rd-chambers-depth-is-unfathomable/

Interested as I am to find out more, I would be prepared to wait a lot longer and be convinced that this dig is not being done in some haste and on the cheap. 150000 euros is very little for a project of this size, some of the much less ambitious and technically easier excavations at Stonehenge have had budgets in the millions. It's regrettable that this is happening at a time when Greece is in such financial difficulties and can't dedicate more cash to the project, I hope that scientific rigour is not being sacrificed for political and profit motives. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-09-23/2-300-year-old-tomb-guarding-girls-revive-greek-cultural-hopes.html
A 'mining' technique may be quicker but there's a lot to commend a slower but more rigorous approach, a top-down excavation of the quadrant would be slow but exhaustive and quite possibly less risky by minimising the possibility of collapse and the loss of vital data.

There's some degree of comparison with the Chinese delaying the excavation of the Qin tomb at Mount Li, sometimes caution and restraint are the best way to preserve these sites and, given the continuous improvement in technology, the safest and in the long run the most productive.

I agree entirely ferval and there has been some criticism directed at the speed in which the excavation is progressing. Extremely fast for a project of this size, although to be fair the archaeologists are working under enourmous external pressure, mainly from the government (way behind in the polls) who are using the dig as one giant distraction measure for the general public.

Apparently politicians are annoying the hell out of the archaeologists with regular calls to their private mobiles demanding updates. Terrible conditions for them to have to work under and I dare say that they will be looking forward to the winter break so they can relax and have time to review and study the finds properly. 

Yes the funding is miniscule but I don't think they expected to find something quite on this scale, nor to receive the attention that it has. Next year should be quite different. The funding for the Ministry of Culture has been slashed so severely that archaeologists are working more for the love of their job than anything, and in some cases even chipping in personal money to continue their work.

The full height of the caryatids and pedestals revealed as archaeologists remove the last of the stone blocks and soil. For the first time photographs show the sheer size and scale of this chamber, and it was entirely covered in sand fill almost up to the roof. Good grief, how many wheelbarrows full would it have been to cover it all up?

http://www.theamphipolistomb.com/caryatids

And the floor looks like it is the same as the entrance, marble chips in red cement.