Archaeology Amphipolis

fresco house (hellenistic period).



silver ossuary , gold crown of brasidas

the site discovered , described many travellers , archaeologists during 19th century, including e. cousinéry (1831) (engraver), leon heuzey (1861), , p. perdrizet (1894–1899). however, excavations did not begin until after second world war. greek archaeological society under d. lazaridis excavated in 1972 , 1985, uncovering necropolis, city wall (see photograph), basilicas, , acropolis. further excavations have since uncovered river bridge, gymnasium, greek , roman villas , numerous tombs etc.

parts of lion monument , tombs discovered during world war bulgarian , british troops whilst digging trenches in area. in 1934, m. feyel, of École française d athènes (efa), led epigraphical mission site , uncovered further remains of lion monument (a reconstruction given in bulletin de correspondance hellénique, publication of efa available on line).

the silver ossuary containing cremated remains of brasidas , gold crown (see image) found in tomb in pride of place under agora.

the tomb of amphipolis


the abduction of persephone pluto, amphipolis

in 2012 greek archaeologists unearthed large tomb within kasta hill, biggest burial mound in greece, northeast of amphipolis. large size of tumulus indicates prominence of burials made there. perimeter wall of tumulus 497 meters long, , made of limestone covered marble.

the tomb comprises 3 chambers separated walls. there 2 sphinxes outside entrance tomb. 2 of columns supporting roof in first section in form of caryatids, in 4th century bc style. excavation revealed pebble mosaic showing abduction of persephone hades directly behind caryatids , in front of macedonian marble door leading third chamber. hades chariot drawn 2 white horses , led underworld hermes. mosaic verifies macedonian character of tomb. head of 1 of sphinxes found inside tomb behind broken door, clear there intruders, in antiquity.

the identity of burial remains unknown , excavation continuing. dr. katerina peristeri, archaeologist heading excavation of tomb, dates tomb 4th century bc, period after death of alexander great (323 bc).