Katerina Peristeri

The first detailed presentation of the frieze, which probably comes from the base of the famous, giant statue of the Lion, was perhaps the most striking revelation made on Friday, regarding the Tomb of Amphipolis. A warrior leading a funeral procession is depicted wearing a distinctive Macedonian harness and the weapons of the dead.

Lead archeologist Katerina Peristeri, on a two-day visit to Cyprus, cast the spotlight on more secrets at Amphipolis that have yet to be revealed. The head of excavations in Nicosia since Thursday was a guest of the University of Cyprus. Her speech titled, “Macedonian tomb complex at Casta hill, Amphipolis: Excavations 2012-2014.”

Archeologists have drawn conclusions regarding the Amphipolis Tomb. They state that it was commissioned and financed by Alexander the Great in honor of his beloved friend Hephaestion. It was designed by architect Dinokrates or Stesikrates and was constructed at the end of the 4th century BC by Antigonus I Monophthalmus.

The top researchers at the excavation at the Kasta Tumulus site in northern Greece, better known as Amphipolis, on Wednesday pointed directly to a massive monument commissioned by Alexander the Great for Hephaestion, one of his closest associates and a childhood friend.

The mystery occupant of the Amphipolis tomb at Casta Hill dominated the international media a year ago, but now the site lies forgotten. The Central Archeological Council of the Greek Ministry of Culture will decide on the fate of the tomb on Tuesday after the results of the carbon-14 dating were publicised by the lead archeologist Katerina Peristeri on August 11.

Politics in Greece is said to permeate practically every sector, and as such, archaeology is no exception. The latest political “tit-for-tat” comes after criticism by the leftist “Avgi” newspaper — which is affiliated with ruling SYRIZA party — over excavations at the Amphipolis site of northern Greece.

Athens Archeological Institute head Vasilios Petratos said that the Amphipolis Tomb, last year’s top archeological discovery, was just a poorly staged play aimed at distracting the Greek people from the scorching hot austerity measures planned by the previous conservative New Democracy party.

By Costas Kantouris

A geologist who took part in the excavation of the ancient burial mound in Amphipolis in northern Greece says the ancient tomb found together with a series of vaulted rooms wasn't built at the same time, but somewhat later than the rooms themselves.

The excavation team at Amphipolis is waiting for the Ministry of Culture to decide on when to continue works at Kasta Hill, Amphipolis, said lead archaeologist Katerina Peristeri.

Lead archaeologist at the Amphipolis dig, Katerina Peristeri, gave an interview with Greece's weekly Real News on Sunday stating that the mystery of the 2,300 year-old tomb at Amphipolis, northern Greece, will be solved through the study of the historical journey through the burial complex.