Two statues found in biggest Greek tomb
9 Sep 2014 12:23 AM GMT
A caryatid is a sculpted female statue, which aside from aesthetics, serves as an architectural support to hold up a structure. The said figures take the place of a column or pillar.
The two figures don long-sleeved tunics and had long, curly hair falling to their shoulders. They stand at the opening of the tomb found near Amphipolis in the Macedonia region of northern Greece. The tomb is believed to have been built during the time of Alexander the Great.
One figure has her left arm raised, while the other has her right arm raised. The culture ministry stated that the poses indicate refusal to let people enter the tomb. Officials disclosed that removing earth from the second entrance wall revealed the excellent marble caryatids.
Archaeologists believe that the tomb has been untouched since it was closed off, and that the treasures that lay inside could still be intact.
Macedonian tombs that were previously unearthed revealed wondrous riches of gold and art.
Aside from the two caryatids, the tomb also features a five-meter tall lion made of marble which was
originally atop a 500-meter funeral mound.
Sphinx statues were also found, now headless, outside the entrance, as well as intricately sculpted column capitals and floor mosaics.
Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras refers to the tomb and the caryatids as ‘very important finds.’
The two figures don long-sleeved tunics and had long, curly hair falling to their shoulders. They stand at the opening of the tomb found near Amphipolis in the Macedonia region of northern Greece. The tomb is believed to have been built during the time of Alexander the Great.
One figure has her left arm raised, while the other has her right arm raised. The culture ministry stated that the poses indicate refusal to let people enter the tomb. Officials disclosed that removing earth from the second entrance wall revealed the excellent marble caryatids.
Archaeologists believe that the tomb has been untouched since it was closed off, and that the treasures that lay inside could still be intact.
Macedonian tombs that were previously unearthed revealed wondrous riches of gold and art.
Aside from the two caryatids, the tomb also features a five-meter tall lion made of marble which was
originally atop a 500-meter funeral mound.
Sphinx statues were also found, now headless, outside the entrance, as well as intricately sculpted column capitals and floor mosaics.
Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras refers to the tomb and the caryatids as ‘very important finds.’
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