Amphipolis: Stunning floor mosaic revealed
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Amphipolis: Stunning floor mosaic revealed

Stunning photographs of the mosaic floor at the ancient tomb at Amphipolis in northern Greece were announced by the Ministry of Culture. The exquisite mosaic was revealed in the second chamber of the tomb where the caryatids are.The mosaic, 3 metres (10 feet) long and 4.5 metres (15 feet) wide, depicts a horseman with a laurel wreath driving a chariot drawn by two horses and preceded by the god Hermes.

According to the ministry of culture announcement made Sunday, Hermes is depicted here as the conductor of souls to the afterlife.The mosaic is made up of pebbles in many colors: white, black, gray, blue, red and yellow. A circular part, near the center of the mosaic, is missing, but authorities say enough fragments have been found to reconstruct a large part.The mosaic reveals the exquisite skill in portraying details of the figures, the horses and the colors.

The composition dates back to the time when the tomb was constructed – the last quarter of the 4th century BC.  The mosaic is damaged in the centre, in the form of a 80 cm diameter circle. However, many parts of the damaged section have been found in the sandy finish. In the coming days, archaeologists will try to restore the mosaic in order for the original scene to be obtained as far as possible.

The mosaic has not been fully revealed in the east and west end, as excavations in this part are still underway. In the southern part of the mosaic, between the pedestals of the Caryatids, a limestone threshold has been discovered covered with white plaster. In the northern part the marble threshold decorated with Ionic elements at the bottom has been discovered, belonging to the door that leads to the third chamber.Just below the door to the third chamber, two more parts of the marble door have been discovered.

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