Amphipolis: Obstacles on the way to the secret of the tomb

The problems facing the archaeologists are enough, as in the third chamber found stone pieces of the dome.

The experts confirmed the fears of archaeologists, who have pointed out that as they proceed to the tomb, the static problems will increase and the tomb will need more and better supports.

The condition of the dome, which is in a marginal balance, troubles the engineers, so they will proceed to dense shoring, stronger than in the previous chambers, to exclude an accident. Thus it is expected that the majority of the week will be devoted to them.

When they will finish the work will begin the removal of the soil, which must take place alongside with the removal of the soil in the second chamber for static reasons. Then archaeologists will attempt to break the seal wall in front of the Caryatids, in the first chamber. So far they have removed only one part.

On Friday, the members of the multidisciplinary team entered in the third chamber, via the existing hole in the wall, As says the announcement of the Ministry of Culture, it was "to document the existing archaeological picture and find the structural condition of the chamber, in order to design the necessary measures for retaining and shoring."

"In situ observation revealed the following data: the amount of sandy soil is lower than the previous two. On the sandy soils found natural sediments with fossils of shells, from the natural terrain of the Casta hill. Faults and significant loss of mass of the material is observed in the dome of the third chamber of the burial monument, thus requiring immediate shoring. According to geological observations, it appears that the embankment remains undisturbed.

Internally, the dome is made of limestone, just like the previous chambers."

The detachments appear to be the result of intense strain, possibly from the tall embankments on the dome. In particular, the southern part of the chamber is charged by 2m height land, while in the northern part of the grave, the land is 12-13m high.

The above technical data do not allow the safe performance of removing the soil from the third chamber, before taking the necessary protective measures. In particular, the shoring of the chamber will includes a system of horizontal framed beams, in the length and breadth of the chamber for retaining the vertical walls from the geostationary pressure.

To support the dome will be used tubular steel beams. The removal of soil will be made partially, in areas of backfill to allow safe adjustment of the retaining plate.
The works for retaining and shoring, due to the accessibility of the area and the unfavorable structural condition, would require several days of work. Finally, continues the work of geometric documentation of the monument and its surrounding area, while the Municipality of Amphipolis placed floodlights and security system."