Amphipolis
In ancient Amphipolis in central Macedonia, archaeologists have been excavating a huge burial complex that dates back to the 4th century B.C., during the era of Alexander the Great. The excavators don't know what they'll find inside but they recently revealed the sphinx-guarded entrance to the tomb.
Upper Edges
After clearing away a layer of stones that sealed the tomb, archaeologists revealed an architrave, or upper edge of a doorway, as this image released on Aug. 21 shows.
Progress
This is what the partially excavated doorway looked like by Aug. 24.
Doorway Comes Into View
This image was released by the Greek Ministry of Culture on Aug. 25, after excavators cleared enough sealing stones and soil to reveal the full doorway.
Paint Traces
Traces of red and black paint are intact on the pillars that flank the doorway
Sphinx Paw
The intricately carved paw of one of the sphinxes.
Intact Tomb?
The excavators aren't sure whether they'll find any intact graves once they get inside the tomb. "The excavation will show if the tomb has been looted or not," Katerina Peristeri, the lead archaeologist on the project, said in a statement from the Greek Ministry of Culture.
Mosaic Floor
On Aug. 31, excavators shared images of the mosaic floor that paves the entrance to the tomb.
Diamond Mosaic
Another mosaic at the front of the tomb's entrance contains black and white pebbles in a diamond pattern.
Protection
Tarps, drainage ditches and other infrastructure have been added around the tomb entrance to protect it from bad weather.
Female Statues Revealed
Probing deeper into the tomb, archaeologists revealed two caryatids, or female statues that act like columns or pillars.
