Archaeologists have further excavated the stunning mosaic discovered recently in the Kasta tomb and revealed the figure of Persephone, confirming speculation that the scene depicted is the abduction of Persephone, Zeus daughter, by Pluto, the god of the underworld (also sometimes known as Hades).
Earlier there had been speculation that the mosaic might depict the individual interred in the tomb although archaeologists always considered a more conventional depiction of Persephone’s abduction as more likely.
Hermes the ‘soul guide’ with his winged sandals and carrying a staff is leading the chariot which is ridden by the bearded Pluto.
The young woman is depicted with reddish tresses wearing a white robe tied with a red string below her chest. She is wearing jewelry on her left hand.
The mosaic is an entirely unexpected find, remarkable in both its extensive use of colour and the quality of its craftsmanship. The image is not a simple 2 dimensional representation but possesses a sense of depth rare in artwork from the period - particularly in its depiction of Hermes and Persephone.
It is clear that the work was inspired by a similar depiction of Persephone’s abduction in a mural on the so called ‘Tomb of Persephone’ uncovered in the Great Tumulus at Vergina. That work is dated to the mid-4th century. It therefore may have predated the mosaic in the Kasta tomb by only a matter of a few decades. Experts date the Kasta tomb from the late 4th century B.C. to early 3rd century.
The Kasta mosaic with its complex imagery is the first of its kind to be discovered in a Macedonian grave. The only other mosaics discovered to date are decorated with at most simple geometric patterns. The mosaic measure 4.5 x 3 meters.
Having completed the excavation of the mosaic, archaeologist can now complete work to support the chamber’s archways. The mosaic meanwhile will be protected with layers of Styrofoam and wooden boards. Above this protective layer workers will create a gangway leading to the as yet unexcavated fourth chamber of the tomb which will also require roof supports to protect its structural integrity as archaeologists remove earth and soil.
In the destroyed portion of the mosaic archaeologist have also investigated what lies under the mosaic. It is resting on a 8-10 centimeter layer of mortar, which itself rests on a 10-13 cm layer of pebbles which are impacted in the natural sandy clay underneath.
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