The restoration of part of the ancient precinct of the Tomb of Amphipolis (also known as the Kasta Mound, discovered in 2012 in central Macedonia, Greece), carried out by the Directorate of Restoration of Ancient Monuments of the Ministry of Culture, has concluded within the framework of the monument’s stabilization and restoration project.
Based on the approved architectural study by architect Michael Lefantzis, 25 scattered marble pieces out of the 375 collected in 2019 were identified and returned to their original positions. These pieces were grouped and arranged on the west side of the mound, stacked in clusters according to the type and class of masonry to which they belonged in ancient masonry.
In the words of the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, these 25 architectural elements return to their original position after 21 centuries, having been moved at times kilometers away from the monument, enduring the ravages of time, as well as damages suffered by their surfaces due to human interventions, resulting from repeated changes in use.
To preserve their authenticity, the scattered marble elements have been placed in their identified locations exactly as they were, without any additions, so that they always bear witness to their long history.
For the attribution of the elements to their original locations, architectural documentation of the scattered material and counter-material was carried out, indicating that the tallest elements belong to the southern part of the precinct, near the funerary monument.
Also, a key parameter for attribution was the change in the direction of stumps and levers, indicating the opposite direction in which the precinct elements were placed by at least two different crews during its construction.
The study demonstrated that the point where the elements were placed, in the southern part of the precinct and 22 meters west of the funerary monument, was the point where the two opposite moments of element placement during construction ended.
Most of the marble pieces are in good structural condition, except for two: an upright and a base with broken sections, which did not require filling for their placement.
To support the marble elements, artificial stone fillings were made in the missing broken masses of the disappeared marble blocks, and the strips and grooves of the ancient links were reused.
In the execution of the project, the decisive assistance of the six most experienced marble artisans from the Ministry of Culture, who came from the South Cliff of the Acropolis of Athens to Amphipolis for the timely completion of the work, played a crucial role.
As part of this project, the Directorate of Restoration of Ancient Monuments continues the work of stabilization and restoration of the funerary monument and the exterior cladding of Area 1.
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