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Underground chamber has been discovered at Amphipolis

31 October 2014 / 18:10:17  GRReporter
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The existence of an artificial ditch on a natural surface of schistic rocks, 4 m x 2.10 m in size, covered with sandy loam (as is the rest of the tomb) has been discovered during the excavations of the fourth room in the Kasta tomb at Amphipolis.

The excavations have advanced to a depth of about 1.40 m from the surface of the threshold.

The planned excavations and reinforcement of the Kasta hill are continuing and according to a report by the Office of Ancient Monuments in Serres, the foundations of the side walls in the fourth room have been uncovered after the removal of soil.

In particular, the message reads that "the reinforcement of the walls is taking place on an artificial mound of a thick layer of sand and gravel, mixed with clay, with a thickness of about 0.40 m. This embankment is made upon the soil of the Kasta hill."

The excavations have uncovered limestone rocks as well as parts of the floor, which are preserved and which reach the side walls. Due to the sliding of the clay embankment, the stones in the western part of the floor had fallen down. In the eastern part of the floor, the stones are in their original position. The Office of Ancient Monuments notes that the stones in the western part are being removed in order to uncover the state of the foundations of the western wall and to proceed to the strengthening of the foundations.

In addition, the second leaf of the marble door, which had fallen into the artificial ditch, has been uncovered after the removal of the sand embankment.

Today archaeologists proceeded to taking it out from where they had found it. Before continuing to remove the soil from the artificial ditch, they will reinforce its walls to ensure the stability of the foundations of the side walls.

On Wednesday, 29 October 2014, six sensors were installed to measure the degree of deformation of the respective supporting walls in the fourth room and to monitor thereafter the pressure on the metal parts of the supports over the course of the excavations.

In addition, the installation of 10 more sensors is planned for today which will monitor the appearance of possible cracks on the bearing elements of the vertical partitions.

Elements to reinforce the arches in the second and third room have also been installed.

Finally, the communication notes that the removal of soil from the slopes of the hill, east and up to the monument, is underway as well.

Tags: AmphipolisExcavationsThe tomb on Kasta hillArchaeologistsDiscoveries
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