Hunt for fourth chamber

Among the discoveries in the ancient Greek tomb are the head of a marble statue and the feet of a female figurine. Photo / AP

"The sphinxes are probably ready to reveal their secrets," says Greek Culture Minister Konstantinos Tasoulas. He's talking about the mystery surrounding the archaeological excavation in the northern town of Amphipolis, which continues to grip his nation.

In the past three months, those working on the dig have made their way through three impressive tomb chambers unearthing magnificent pieces of art. The tomb's entrance is flanked by two headless sphinx statues.

Archaeologists have continued to dig beneath the floor, searching for a potential fourth chamber and uncovering an underground trench with the remains of a marble door. The 30-strong team supervised by archaeologist Katerina Peristeri have found two caryatids, female marble statues standing more than 2m high.

Another chamber has revealed a floor covered in a detailed and brightly coloured pebble mosaic depicting the abduction of Persephone on a two-horse chariot by Hades, the god of the underworld.

The large mound enclosing the grave is surrounded by a 497m circular wall made of marble. It is believed to be the largest ancient tomb ever discovered in Greece. Archaeologists said the mythical scene of Persephone confirms the site is a tomb. Peristeri has dated it to the late fourth century BC, after the death of Alexander the Great, causing speculation that the king himself could be buried there. Alexander's body is believed to have been seized by his general Ptolemy and buried in Egypt. Peristeri says deciding who was buried there will have to wait until the excavation is finished, which could take years.

Although a small town now, Amphipolis used to be an important naval base from where Alexander launched his ships to conquer Persia. "It is a puzzle for decades to come. This is by far the most impressive tomb ever found in Greece," said Dorothy King, a US archaeologist based in London. She argues the tomb could have been built for Alexander, even if he didn't end up being buried there. "Most tombs were started before the person died. We know that he wanted a magnificent tomb in Macedonia, and it is at the right date."