February 13, 2006
THESSALONIKI, Greece -- Archeologists have unearthed a
massive tomb in the Greek town of Pella, capital of the ancient
kingdom of Macedonia and birthplace of Alexander the Great.
The eight-chambered tomb dates to between the fourth and
second century B.C., and is the largest of its kind ever found
in Greece. The biggest tombs until now contained three chambers.
The 678-square-foot tomb hewn out of rock was discovered by a
farmer plowing his field.
''This is the largest and most monumental tomb of its kind
ever found in Greece,'' said Maria Akamati, who led the
excavations.
Archeologists believe the tomb -- filled with dozens of
votive clay pots and idols, copper coins and jewelry -- will
shed light on the culture of Macedonia after Alexander's
conquest of Asia. Alexander's empire, which stretched from
Greece to Asia, broke into separate kingdoms upon his death in
323 B.C.
The tomb's size suggests it belonged to a a wealthy
Macedonian family, Akamati said.
AP
