Amphipolis dead identities not priority for new Greek gov't, no more funds for excavations

The identities of the persons buried at the impressive burial site unearthed at the ancient city of Amphipolis last summer was not of such major significance for the new government, the new Alternate Culture Minister Nikos Xydakis said during a visit at the site this weekend.

In this context, the archaeological dig will not receive further funding in the short future, he said, according to the Greek national news agency AMNA.

"We are not looking for famous dead. We are searching for historic truths and to find the history of this place ... The monument is already very important. It does not matter who was buried here," Xydakis said.

In January Greek archaeologists announced that at least five persons were buried at the massive 4th century BC tomb which was adorned with sculptures of Sphinxes and Karyatids (female figures), as well as a mosaic depicting the Abduction of Persephone, a daughter of God Zeus in ancient Greek mythology.

Experts have refrained from any guesses on the identities of the buried persons at the Alexander the Great era burial complex, as media have insisted that they could be relatives or close aides of the ancient Macedonian leader.

"Is it so important, will it change something for Macedonia if we say that in this tomb is Alexander the Great's third grandson? Macedonia is what it is; the people that live here will continue to be the same. We have many historic and archaeological finds to have a very wealthy, heavy and very creative historic identity. We do not need to continuously confirm it," Xydakis stressed.

In this framework until scientists complete their studies and conservation of last year's finds there will be no more state funding for new excavations at the site in the near future, the Greek official said, underlining that the Amphipolis dig has received more funds than other equally significant projects across the country. Endit