Amphipolis tomb interior unveiled

The Amphipolis Tomb lies within the Kasta Hill burial mound, 100 km east of Thessaloniki in Greece.

Greek officials have unveiled the interior of a massive ancient tomb possibly linked to Alexander the Great. The excavation centers around the Kasta Tomb in Amphipolis, the ruins of an ancient Macedonian city in northern Greece, about 60 miles northeast of Thessaloniki.

The Lysippus bust of Alexander the Great

Archaeologists have now fully revealed the tumulus enclosure, stretching 497 meters in circumference, while the monument itself covers more than 20 acres (22,000 square meters). Amphipolis is associated with major figures of the Kingdom of Macedon, such as the three generals of Alexander the Great, Nearchus, Hephaestion, and Laomedon. After Alexander’s death, the city’s garrison remained loyal to his mother Olympias and only agreed to surrender the city to Cassander, one of Alexander’s successors, on her orders. Cassander imprisoned Alexander’s wife Roxana and his son Alexander IV in Amphipolis after defeating Olympias in 316 BCE. Olympias was stoned to death in 316 BCE by the relatives of her victims after she surrendered to Cassander. Cassander imprisoned Alexander’s wife Roxana and his son, Alexander IV, in the citadel of Amphipolis. Fearing the legitimate heir would soon come of age, Cassander had them secretly poisoned around 310 BC.

The ancient city of Amphipolis was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great, in 357 BC. The tomb was found to contain sculptures of caryatids, an ornate mosaic, and coins featuring Alexander the Great. Evidence suggests the tomb was a memorial dedicated to the friend of Alexander the Great, Hephaestion.

Hephaestion was a Macedonian nobleman that grew up with Alexander, studying with him under the tutelage of Aristotle. They became close friends, as well as comrades. Hephaestion became a member of Alexander’s personal bodyguard and went on to command the Companion cavalry. Hephaestion died suddenly in Ecbatana, Iran, in 324 BC. Alexander ordered a series of monuments to be built for Hephaestion across his empire

The remains of five were found in the burial chamber of the elaborate tomb. A woman over 60 years old, two men between the ages of 35 and 45, a newborn infant, and a set of cremated remains. Speculation is that the woman is Alexander the Great’s mother, Olympias, who died when she was about 60 years old.

According to legend Hephaestion was cremated.