Greek Culture Minister Kostas Tasoulas ruled out the possibility on Monday that a massive excavation currently underway in ancient Amphipolis in northern Greece is the tomb of Alexander the Great.
While Katerina Peristeri, the archaeologist leading the excavation says the tomb was built in late 4th century BC, which dates from the Macedonian warrior king’s era, Tasoulas said it is “impossible” for it to contain the remains of Alexander the Great.
“People should not expect the dig to uncover the remains of Alexander,” Tasoulas told private television MEGA.
The culture minister made the comments as archaeologists continue their search for the tomb’s fourth chamber after completely uncovering two impressive female sculptures or Caryatids standing guard at the inner entrance of the site at Kasta Hill in the past few weeks.
The Caryatids are dressed in long-sleeved tunics and have thick curly hair covering their shoulders.
Alexander the Great died in 323 BC after carrying out a military campaign to conquer much of the Middle East, Asia and north-east Africa.
The precise location of Alexander the Great’s grave has remained one of the key mysteries of archaeology. He died in Babylon at the age of 32, and some experts think he was likely buried in Alexandria, Egypt.
Nevertheless, his wife, Roxanne and their son Alexander were exiled to Amphipolis following his death and murdered there along with his mother, brother and sister-in-law, leading some experts to believe their remains may be discovered there.
Another theory is that the grave may have belonged to a senior official.
GNA
