More exciting finds may be just around the corner for the archaeologists excavating the Kasta tomb in Amphipolis, according to experts.
Panagiotis Faklaris, a professor of classical archaeology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, believes that the discovery of the stunning mosaic of the abduction of Persephone indicates that in the fourth and as yet unexplored chamber, a second mosaic may well be lying in wait.
Furthermore he argues, the mosaic may not feature another mythological depiction, but scenes from the life of the unknown person (or persons) interred in the tomb. It is a tantalizing possibility and one which would provide a treasure trove of information about the identity of the deceased.
Mr Faklaris, who has extensive experience from similar tomb excavations in the nearby site of Vergina, made the claim in an interview featured in Sunday’s To Vima newspaper.
“It is possible,” he is quoted as saying, “that in the next chamber there is another mosaic, this time with a depiction which reflects the life of the deceased himself.”
“It is possible that in the next chamber there is another mosaic, this time with a depiction which reflects the life of the deceased himself.”
He believes that the tomb appears to be laid out in such a way that each chamber is more spectacular than the one preceding it, an escalation of grandeur similar to that seen in homes of the time.
He explains that the burial chamber has a, “parallel with the ‘androna’, the formal room for entertaining where, in life, the deceased would invite friends, and share moments in life.”
Mr Faklaris notes that mosaics featuring scenes have been found in the halls and living rooms of homes in Pellas and that the chambers of Macedonian tombs have common elements with these living spaces.
“We would therefore expect,” he concludes, “that given that the chambers that have been explored in Amphipolis have mosaic floors or marble inlays, for there to be a mosaic depiction in the main chamber. It would be hoped that the deceased would be depicted. In Lefkadia, for example, there is a painted depiction of a Macedonian countryman on horseback attacking a Persian.
The Kasta tomb in Amphipolis has already become one of the most significant finds in recent decades. But with the fourth chamber still unexplored, the greatest discoveries may still be yet to come.
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