The Entry & 1st Chamber

The Tomb entry includes amazing works: a stone arch, an open Portal and two headless - wingless Sphinxes. In front of the Sphinxes [also called Chimera] there was a barrier wall of limestone blocks protecting the entry of this vast tomb. This protective wall concealed the tomb entry and the two guardian Sphinx figures.

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Floor of marble fragments

This photo shows the spectacular floor in the first chamber just beyond the Sphinx Portal opening. For 2,300 years old it is in great condition and was been constructed of White Marble fragments set in Red mortar.

Floor of marble fragments

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ



View of the entry portal, August 31st

Supporting techniques used to safely secure the Portal openings, walls and entry area.

View of the entry portal, August 31st

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

The top part of the second barrier wall

Workers stand in front of the second barrier wall, after the entrance. Only the top portion has been revealed. When the soil was removed, a Portal wall and spectacular surprise leads to the second chamber of the Tomb.

The top part of the second barrier wall

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

Supports for the arched ceiling

Large wooden timbers have been installed to support the arch of the ceiling.

Supports for the arched ceiling

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

High definition photo of Sphinx Entry

This is the most detailed photo from the Sphinx Entry. It has been shot using high definition (HD) camera.

High definition photo of Sphinx Entry

Details of the floor in the Tomb entry

This is a clear view of the entry floor, in front of the Sphinx Portal. Shown are the Geometric shapes set in stones. At the back bottom edge of the wall can be seen a base detail, showing traces of blue coloring. The same blue coloring continues on all the sidewalls.

Details of the floor in the Tomb entry

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

The floor of the Tomb - First picture

After the removal of all the stones blocks that were protecting the Tomb for over 2.300 years, the mosaic floor in the Tomb entry came to light. It's composed of many small pebbles and is composed of rectangle and square shapes accompanied by Rhombus forms set in black and white.

The floor of the Tomb - First picture

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

The first Portal almost uncovered

The distance between the two columns of the entrance Portal opening is 1.67 meters. There were no doors at this entry opening. The Pilasters at side of the opening are decorated with [fresco] painting, as are the surrounding walls of the Tomb entry.

The first Portal almost uncovered

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

The next wall after the first Portal

Just 6 meters from the main entrance there exists another barrier wall, made of rough Limestone blocks. This next wall has a hole at the top left corner. Behind this next wall there can be seem two more chambers. It is expected that this next wall will have an entrance that will lead further inside the Tomb. This next entrance should be excavated and revealed in the next few days.

The next wall after the first Portal

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

Decoration on the next wall

The next inner Portal wall is decorated with a marbled cornice, Ionic linear details and colored rosettes with 8 Peddles, the same detailing is on the side walls of this first chamber.

Decoration on the next wall

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

Sidewall details of the Portal entry

The White Marble cladding of the side walls in the Portal wall after the excavation of the sand filled space.

Sidewall details of the Portal entry

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

The upper Portal comes to light

Removal of the 7th & 8th rows of the [10 row] stone sealing wall, reveals more of the upper section of the Tomb Portal. The exposed Portal is shown to be decorated with a white colored fresco, as is the surrounding walls in this entry area.

The upper Portal comes to light

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

An outside detail of the Pilaster & Capitol is shown

This is the left edge Pilaster of the opening in the Sphinx Portal wall. A Pilaster is a rectangular upright support and a Column is a cylindrical upright support.

An outside detail of the Pilaster & Capitol is shown

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

The inside view of the Pilaster & Capital

The inside surface of the Pilaster is decorated with a fresco image of the classic Ionic Egg & Dart pattern, in traces of black, brown, white and red.

The inside view of the Pilaster & Capital

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

The inside of the Portal wall Chamber

After removing the soil that covered the Portal wall, the back-side of the wall reveals a continuation of the fresco Egg & Dart pattern and linear details.

The inside of the Portal wall Chamber

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

The side-walls of the first Chamber

For the first time, archaeologists have revealed the side-walls of the Chamber, just behind the Sphinx Portal. The walls are clad with Marble from the Island of Thassos and topped by an Ionian style Entablature [lintel above supports]

The side-walls of the first Chamber

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

The upper wall that supports the Sphinx

We can now see the top of one Ionic Pilaster at the first Portal wall. The rest will be revealed once the mass of soil/sand is excavated out of the entry space.

The upper wall that supports the Sphinx

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

First view of a Capital in the first Portal wall

This is the first detail picture of one of the Ionian capitals that support the Portal wall below the Sphinxes. It's covered with Ionic style Egg & Dart motif in a Fresco of black, white and red.

First view of a Capital in the first Portal wall

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

Removal of the stones at the Tomb Entrance

An excavation worker carefully removes a block of stone from the 6th row of the wall that has concealed and protected the Tomb and the entry.

Removal of the stones at the Tomb Entrance

Date: 8/2014     source: ΥΠΠΟ

Entrance of Amphipolis Tomb

This picture was taken a few days before the archaeologists were able to enter the uncovered tomb. It shows the two enormous Sphinxes guarding the entrance to the uncovered, 2,300 year old tomb.

Entrance of Amphipolis Tomb

Date: 8/2014

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