A new excavation at Amphipolis has revealed what the excavator and others think is a Macedonian tomb from the about 300 B.C. I have been following Carl Rasmussen’s HolyLandPhotos’Blog. He now has combined them into one here. In addition, he has called attention to the possibility of this tomb being similar to the one found at Vergina.
Drawing showing progress of the excavation. Source: Greek Reporter.
Here is a list of interesting articles, mostly with photos and drawings, to give you some idea of the exciting potential at Amphipolis.
- From the Archivist’s Notebook: The Pride of Amphipolis (09-15-14). This article by Natalia Vogeikoff-Brogan traces the history of the Lion of Amphipolis including its reconstruction over the past century.
- Greek Reporter: Amphipolis Tomb Timeline: What We Know So Far About the Magnificent Ancient Greek Monument (updated through 10-07-14). Numerous photos.
- Greek Reporter: Links to several articles about the tomb here.
- Dorothy King’s PhDiva: Let’s Talk About Amphipolis. (08-12-14), and Quick Answers About Amphipolis… (09-20-14). King has served as an advisor on the excavation.
- Amphipolis: Your Questions, My Answers … Part Deux (09-20-14). King cautions about ruling anyone out, but says,
The obvious answer is that it was most likely to have been built for Alexander, and either left empty when he was buried in Alexandria, or re-used for another Macedonian monarch – eg it could have become the tomb of Antigonus I Monophthalmus and the mausoleum of the Antigonids, for example.
- Dorothy King’s PhDiva: Amphipolis: More Questions, More Answers… (09-21-14).
- King calls attention to an excellent 30-minute documentary video by George Raptis here (09-30-14). Also you will find several photos @RaptisCG on Twitter.
- Katerina Peristeri, the director of the excavation at Amphipolis, speculates that the tomb belongs to a very important figure or Macedonian general (See TO BHMA 10-07-14).
- BBC: Greeks captivated by Alexander-era tomb at Amphipolis (09-22-14).
- Discovery News: Sphinxes Emerge From Huge Ancient Greek Tomb (08-21-14)
Professor Rasmussen includes photos of jewelry and a golden oak wreath found in the area of Amphipolis.
Map showing Amphipolis. Credit: Bible Atlas.
Our photo below show the entrance to the Royal tombs at Vergina, a city located just a few miles from Berea, a city visited by Paul, Silas and Timothy (Acts 17:10-14). After the tumulus at Vergina was excavated a museum was built and then covered over to have the natural appearance. Notice the tumulus behind the ornamental fence.
The Ancient Cemetery of the Royal Tombs at Vergina. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Without the sign and ticket office one might pass this museum as just another rolling hill. In the photo below you see a sign on the left pointing to the entrance. The exit is near the center of the photo. The museum is filled with items of silver and gold and photography was not allowed when I was there. I am pleased to have a copy of Vergina The Royal Tombs, by Manolis Andronicos, given to me by a Greek guide and friend nearly 30 years ago. The book includes photos of the artifacts that are displayed in the museum. A popular theory says that this is the tomb of Phillip II of Macedon. One may only imagine the glory of the tomb of Phillip of Macedon, or Alexander.
Tumulus covering the Royal Tombs at Vergina. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
The next photo by Sarah C. Murray shows a golden wreath suspended over a golden larnax.
Golden wreath suspended over a golden larnax. Photo by Sarah Murray.
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