The mystery of the identity of the occupant of the newly- discovered tomb at the impressive burial site of the ancient city of Amphipolis in northern Greece drags in, after the first comprehensive official presentation of the finds of the archaeological dig in Athens on Saturday.

The site's chief archaeologist Katerina Peristeri and other experts involved in the excavation addressed a scientific seminar hosted at the Culture Ministry, familiarizing the audience with more details on the progress of the dig over the past two years which resulted in the remarkable discovery of the Alexander the Great era tomb in August this year.

Peristeri revealed on Saturday that coins dating to the 4rth century BC, as well as Roman coins from the 3rd century BC, pottery items and two marble shields which are believed to be part of the Lion sculpture which once stood at the top of the hill were found recently at the site, about 570 kilometers north of Athens.

They were added to the long list of spectacular finds gradually unearthed over the past four months from Kasta hill which include a pair of 2 meter-high sculptures of Sphinxes, two captivating Karyatids (female figures), a mosaic depicting the Abduction of Persephone (a daughter of God Zeus in ancient Greek mythology), drawings and a human skeleton.

Most findings are currently being examined at the Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis by experts who still cannot answer the key question- who was the man or woman buried at the tomb and whether the burial complex contains more tombs.

"Today we presented the results of the first stage of the excavation at the burial site. We gave you an idea and now wish us to be strong to continue the dig next year in the surrounding area," Peristeri said.

The task is enormous for archaeologists in front of a 200-meters diameter and 33 meters- high hill.

"I cannot tell who was buried or not buried at the tomb. Be patient and our search will give you answers," she stressed.

"We have no clear clues on the identity of the buried person based on the sculpture of the Lion which stood on top of the hill and the other architectural finds. We do know that the dead was a prominent figure...In my opinion he was a warrior," architect Michalis Lefantzis said.

The puzzle is not expected to be resolved for several more months, they both stressed.

For scientists it is too soon to speculate about the tomb's resident, despite the media pressure. The anthropological material retrieved could reveal the big secret, but the overall assessment of the findings will take more time, they underlined.

Peristeri and other experts were certain about the vandalism of the site by invading Romans. They believe that the tomb was initially a place of visit for people at the time and that sealing walls at the tomb were constructed in the Roman era to keep vandals and looters away. But damage has been done, making more difficult efforts to identify the occupant.

Peristeri refrained from giving possible names on Saturday, but repeated her view that based on the impressive finds, starting from the sculpture of the Lion which was unearthed years ago, the person buried at the site was undoubtedly a distinguished figure at the time.

According to scenarios circulating over the past few months, it could be one of Alexander the Great's generals or admirals, his mother, wife or son. Endit

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