Culture Ministry to Re-submit Request for Amphipolis Funding

Representatives from the Greek culture ministry’s Directorate for the Restoration of Ancient Monuments will meet next week with Central Macedonia Region and NSRF funding authorities in order to re-submit its request for funding of the Amphipolis excavation project.

Central Macedonia authorities turned down the ministry’s initial request for 1.5 million euros in funding for additional excavation works on the Amphipolis site in northern Greece, which had the world on edge as to the identity of the person buried there, many hoping it was the grave of Alexander the Great.

“Funding will not be lost, the project is not in danger, but we are running out of time,” said Central Macedonia Regional Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who added that the ministry documentation was lacking in important information.

The culture ministry said it would proceed with additional clarifications and technical specifications underlining the outstanding cultural and historic importance of the Kasta tomb as well as its significance as a European cultural heritage monument.

Applications for EU funding will remain open until the end of the year. According to the ministry’s application, works will be carried out in two phases in efforts to make the area accessible to visitors and academics. The delays in funding archaeological studies and restoration work are placing the monument and finds at serious risk, experts say.