World awe for new discoveries in Amphipolis

As it became known yesterday (10/22/2014), the marble head of the Eastern Sphinx was found intact during excavations inside the Kasta tomb in Amphipolis, where the excavation continues by the KH Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities.

The news has certainly gone around the world and Reuters hosted the press release of the Ministry of Culture and noted that "this is a unique work of art."
The news was published in many foreign media, such as the American NBC News, and Agence France Presse, which makes an extensive reference to the course of the excavations.

As it became known by the Ministry on Saturday (10/18/2014) and Monday (20/10/2014), the excavation proceeded across the inside surface of the fourth chamber (4.5m x 6 m.), in depth of 5.20 m. from the top of the dome.

On Tuesday (10.21.2014) conducted a test section (2x2m.), at the entrance of the fourth chamber, in depth 0.45m. In front of in this area were revealed two parts of the western door in which they belong.

Also was discovered the northern part of the marble threshold, which has a total length 2,15m. , width of 1.6 m. and thickness of 0.25m.

The doorstep has recesses for the insertion of metal rails that facilitate the movement of the marble door. As is clear from this section, here was limestone flooring, bearing white coating. On either side of the threshold, was found the limestone floor.

On the east side of the intersection, the floor appears to have collapsed, while to the west the floor is damaged by fallen stones in the interior of the intersection.
At a depth of 0.15 m. from the surface of the threshold, was found the marble head of the Sphinx.

The head of the Sphinx is intact with a minor breakage in the nose. It's height is 0.60 m. The head belongs in the Eastern Sphinx, it was inlaid and it was turned to the entrance.

At the bottom of the neck, survives undamaged, the section of the bearing at the point of insertion in the body. She has wavy hair (bearing traces of red color), which fall in her left shoulder, and are tied with thin ribbon. This is a sculpture of magnificent art. Also found fragments of the wings of the Sphinxes.

However, the fact that the head was discovered at a considerable distance from the entrance to the burial monument where the Sphinxes are, adds another puzzle in the unsolved riddle of Amphipolis, and supports the hypothesis of looting during the ancient times.

Over the next few days is planned the removal of the fallen limestone slabs from within the third chamber and the parts of the door.
At the same time, they will strengthen the support in order to continue the excavations in the remaining area of the third chamber.

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