Stunning Mosaic Floor Revealed in Amphipolis Tomb

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Archaeologists have publicized photos of a stunning mosaic floor recently excavated within the ancient tomb of Amphipolis in northern Greece.

According to the Greek Ministry of Culture, the beautiful mosaic was discovered in the second chamber of the tomb, the site of the Caryatids‘ discovery. The colorful floor was laid with white, black, grey, blue, red and yellow pebbles and depicts a chariot in motion. Hermes, the messenger of the gods, is pictured in front of the chariot.

“The central theme is a chariot in motion, pulled by two white horses and driven by a bearded man, crowned with a laurel wreath,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The mosaic showcases the artist’s ability to portray the figures, horses and colors in exquisite detail.
According to a Culture Ministry announcement, Hermes is depicted here as the conductor of souls to the afterlife.

The stunning artwork, which has yet to be fully uncovered, spans the entire floor of the second chamber. It currently measures 4.5 meters in width and 3 meters in length. The central scene is surrounded by a decorative frame, 0.60 meters in width, featuring a double meander, squares and a wave-curl design.

According to archaeologists, a section of the mosaic floor has been destroyed. The Amphipolis team was able to recover the disturbed pebbles during the excavation process, however, and plans on being able to eventually piece the mosaic back together.

The ministry says that archaeologists have dated the mosaic to the last quarter of 4th century B.C. (325-300 B.C.), consistent with their belief the grave contains the remains of a contemporary of Alexander the Great, the ancient Greek King of Macedonia, who conquered the Persian Empire and reached present-day India, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan in a whirlwind campaign, from 334 to 323 B.C. The grave may be that of a relative or general of Alexander’s, archaeologists have speculated.

Alexander himself, who died in Babylon in present-day Iraq at age 32, in 323 BC, is believed to have been buried in Egypt.

VOLVO OCEAN RACE Leg 1, Day 2: Staying north TEAM SCA

Δημοσιεύτηκε στις 13 Οκτ 2014

SCA made a bold move on Day 2, they stayed north for the final approach to the Gibraltar Straits, while the rest of the fleet went south, the gamble paid off and SCA was the first boat to exit into the Atlantic. It's been a fantastic start for the crew on this first leg of the race and the first 48 hours has already brought the beauty of this race to the crew of SCA as they were joined for hours by a pod of Pilot Whales

“It’s day two, and we’re not even out of the Mediterranean Sea yet, we haven’t even really started. Wow, it’s a long way around,” Sophie said.

On day two of sailing around the world, we’ve been a part of an incredible drag race to the Gibraltar Straits with the rest of the Volvo 65s. As we sailed West along the Spanish coast, we were all neck and neck with the other boats, watching and waiting for various sail changes and wind shifts. Watching other boats is essential because often wind shifts happen unexpectedly to leaders and therefore we can be prepared for them.

Day two wasn’t special only because we were sailing with the rest of the fleet, we also had a rare visit from a pod of Pilot whales. During a particularly light wind moment, seven (or more!) whales came to say hello and play with our bow much like dolphins do. They came so close, Stacey reckons she could have touched them.  “I’ve never seen anything like this,” Stacey said in shock, as the whales swam along side for a good five minutes.

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