February 8, 2024. Yesterday, the Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, accompanied by other dignitaries, visited the ancient site of the ‘Kasta Tomb’, also referred to as the ‘Amphipolis Tomb’.

The tomb and its tumulus, the largest in Greece, even greater than that of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, is located near the northern city of Amphipolis, 98 km east of Thessaloniki.

The opening of the site to the public is eagerly anticipated, but as further restoration work continues, it is now not expected to open until 2027, or 2028.

Speculation continues as to who the tomb was originally intended for and although it was constructed in the time of Alexander the Great, it has been rejected as his last resting place, which is still believed to be in Alexandria, Egypt.

One of the current theories is that it is the tomb of Olympias, Alexander’s mother, although the skeletal remains so far discovered are those of a woman aged 60 or older, two men aged between 35–45, a newborn infant, and a fifth person consisting of only a few cremated bone fragments. However, Olympias is a prime suspect, as she is recorded as having died at the age of 59 in 316 BCE, 7 years after Alexander’s death.

A further theory is that the tomb was a memorial dedicated to Alexander’s dearest friend and lover, Hephaestion, based on three inscriptions which link the tomb to him. The research will continue to hopefully finally solve the mystery.

Once open, the site will be an important addition to the ancient archaeology of Northern Greece and in reach of tourists visiting the island of Thassos.