Amphipolis: Ditch found in floor of fourth chamber

Excavators also found, as a depth of 1.4 m under the third chamber the second of the double doors, weighing almost 1.5 tons.

Soil removal is continuing in the fourth space, revealing the foundations of the side walls. The side walls are based on well compressed sandy gravel with clay 40 cm thick, that sits on the natural ground of Kasta Hill, which is fractured shale ground.

Excavators found a sealing floor from porous slabs, the side floor stones adjacent to the side walls still survive. The floor stones in the western part of the chamber exhibit a turn towards the interior as a result of sliding of the underlying strata and downward pressure.

In the eastern part the floor slabs are still in their original positions. At this point excavators are removing the western flagstones to reveal the underlying strata and proceed with bracing and supporting the wall.

While the dirt was being removed from this fourth chamber, an artificial slit 4x2.1 m was found in the floor, that is however, covered by the silt that covers the rest of the monument.

Excavators have also placed six sensors to ascertain tension and warp on metal supports, and ten more are planned for placement today. Removal of dirt from the slopes around the monument and above it is continuing.