The secrets of an unlimited burial mound with links to Alexander the Great are being revealed during an excavation and restoration project.
Covering greater than 20 acres, the Kasta Tomb, near Amphipolis, Greece, was constructed in the ultimate quarter of the 4th century BC.
It dates back to the identical period because the death of Alexander in 323 BC and the struggles between his successors for control of the Macedonian empire.
The monument’s enormous size and elaborate design have fuelled years of speculation over who could have been buried there.
Early theories suggested it could even have been intended as a tomb for Alexander himself before his body was ultimately taken to Alexandria by Ptolemy I Soter.
Join for all of the newest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
Most archaeologists have dismissed that possibility – but many imagine the tomb was likely built for an in depth member of Alexander’s inner circle or family.
Some experts have also suggested the monument bears similarities to the work of Dinocrates of Rhodes, the architect closely related to Alexander’s constructing projects.
Amphipolis itself played a key strategic role during Alexander’s campaigns, serving as a naval base for expeditions into Asia and as a staging point for military operations in Thrace.
After the ruler’s death,his wife Roxana and their son Alexander IV of Macedon were imprisoned and murdered in the town.
Greece’s Culture Minister Lina Mendonirecently visited the positioning to examine the conservation work.
‘The Kasta Tomb is a singular and sumptuous Macedonian monument, which, through the completion of the work of restoring its geometry, in addition to the revelation of its entire enclosure, now clearly highlights its historical significance and value,” she said.
‘It’s the biggest burial mound discovered up to now in Macedonia, with a diameter exceeding 140 metres, in comparison with 110 metres for the Aigai Tomb, a component that clearly reflects its uniqueness and scale.’
Specialists have already restored the burial chamber and removed metal supports installed during earlier excavations so the inside will be viewed in full for the primary time in years.
Outside the mound, archaeologists have fully uncovered the structure’s 497m perimeter for the primary time.
Officials say the following phase of the project will include reinstalling the monumental marble door of the burial chamber, followed by restoration of the sphinx sculptures that after guarded the doorway.
The entire cost of the restoration is anticipated to exceed €15m (£12.7m), funded partly through European regional development programmes.
Greek authorities say they hope to reopen the monument safely to the general public in early 2028, alongside a brand new museum and visitor centre planned near the positioning.
During her visit to the region, Ms Mendoni also inspected the one surviving wood bridge from ancient Amphipolis, dating from the fifth century BC and mentioned by the historian Thucydides. Conservation work on the bridge has now been accomplished.
MORE: Greece confirms Brits won’t be ‘burdened’ by latest EU airport checks this summer
MORE: My honest review of London’s newest afternoon tea — the town’s most delicious secret
MORE: German tourist wins legal battle after failing to win 6am sunbed wars