Geophysical survey reveals more hot spots at Amphipolis

The digital simulation or model of the Kasta hill in Amphipolis that was created by the research team conducting the geophysical and geological mapping of the area reveals more promising sites for excavation, according to a new announcement by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

View of the Kasta mound at Amphipolis [Credit: To Vima]

More specifically, the Ministry said that the research team, headed by by Gregorios Tsokas, Director of the Laboratory of Applied Geophysics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, has created a digital simulation of the site, as it was before the construction of the tomb.

The comparison of the model with the present situation and the situation before the recent excavations revealed that the largest part of the hill consists of natural formations.

An area to the west of the hill's peak (here shown in red) appears to be of
 particular archaeological interest [Credit: Greek Ministry of Culture]

However, the Ministry noted that the model is not yet complete. Boreholes are to be drilled for geotechnical purposes and the resulting data will be integrated into the simulation.

“The images of the hill’s interior produced by electrical tomography show static structures, which may be ancient constructions. Therefore, archaeological investigation is required at the points where these appear,” said the Ministry.

Source: Greek Ministry of Culture [January 09, 2015]