Alexander the Great-era tomb excavation

Excitement is growing in Amphipolis, Greece, as archaeologists dig deeper into a mysterious and elaborate tomb believed to date back to around the 4th Century BC, shortly after the reign of warrior king Alexander the Great

HOW TUMULUS COULD HAVE LOOKED

Sculpture of lion: Once stood atop grave

Archaeologists have reached third chamber

All chambers found filled with sand

Two caryatids: Sculpted female figures serving as pillars

2nd barrier: Limestone wall

1st barrier: Limestone brick wall covered entrance archway

Sphinxes: Adorn entrance arch

Chamber Three
Chamber Two
2m
6.5 ft
Chamber One
Entrance
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Design traits suggest tomb built by Alexander’s architect of choice Deinokratis
KASTA HILL
500m marble wall
30m
98 ft
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Alexander the Great (356-323BC): Created one of largest empires in ancient world during military campaign through Asia and NE Africa

Born: Pella
ALEXANDER’S EMPIRE
1,000km
621 miles
ARABIA
Died: Babylon (burial place unknown)

Athens
Mediterranean Sea
Amphipolis
GREECE
TURKEY
200km
124 miles

Sources: theamphipolistomb.com, wire agencies
Pictures: Associated Press