The massive tomb dates to 320-300 B.C.
ATHENS, Greece, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Archaeologists are excited about the discovery of two statues from the era of Alexander the Great, found this week in an excavation in northern Greece.
The statues, life-size female forms carved in caryatid marble, are among the finds coming to light since the discovery of a tomb at Amphipolis was announced last month by the Greek government. It is thought the tomb, which dates to 320-300 B.C., may be that of a general, Laomedon, in Alexander the Great's army. Alexander is believed to be buried in Egypt.
Photos released Thursday by the Greek Cultural Ministry show an assortment of carved statuary in rooms within the tomb.
Archaeologists took two years to excavate a burial mound, and found the entrance to the tomb guarded by two sphinxes missing heads and wings. The ministry said an architrave, or door with an upper lintel, was discovered in a wall within the massive tomb, and a spectacular mosaic floor, in red and white tile, was uncovered in a room near the tomb entrance.
The burial mound -- and the tomb within -- is 497 meters (1,630 feet, or over a quarter-mile) in diameter, with a three-meter (10 feet) surrounding wall.
The statues, life-size female forms carved in caryatid marble, are among the finds coming to light since the discovery of a tomb at Amphipolis was announced last month by the Greek government. It is thought the tomb, which dates to 320-300 B.C., may be that of a general, Laomedon, in Alexander the Great's army. Alexander is believed to be buried in Egypt.
Photos released Thursday by the Greek Cultural Ministry show an assortment of carved statuary in rooms within the tomb.
Archaeologists took two years to excavate a burial mound, and found the entrance to the tomb guarded by two sphinxes missing heads and wings. The ministry said an architrave, or door with an upper lintel, was discovered in a wall within the massive tomb, and a spectacular mosaic floor, in red and white tile, was uncovered in a room near the tomb entrance.
The burial mound -- and the tomb within -- is 497 meters (1,630 feet, or over a quarter-mile) in diameter, with a three-meter (10 feet) surrounding wall.
