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The scientific group from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki that is conducting the geophysical survey and geological mapping of the Kasta hill in Amphipolis has managed to make a digital model of the terrain surface at the time before the construction of the tomb, as announced by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.

By comparing the model with today's appearance of the hill and with that before the beginning of the excavations conducted in recent months scientists have established that a larger part of the hill consists of natural formations.

It is expected that the model be updated after including the data from the exploratory boring that will be carried out for geotechnical considerations.

Meanwhile, the electronic scanning of the hill has identified static structures that are probably ancient buildings, which requires the conduction of archaeological research at these points.

In a horizontal section in the western part of the dome of the hill, which shows the distribution of the specific electrical resistivity, researchers have detected a part with high values. According to the announcement of the Ministry, it should also be studied through archaeological excavations.

At the same time, according to chief secretary of the Ministry Lina Mendoni, the results of macroscopic studies of the skeleton that has been discovered in the tomb in Amphipolis will be ready by 20 January.

During the first meeting of the central archaeological council, she said it was expected that the sex and age of the person buried there would be announced, adding, "It will take a month to study the bone material."

The Ministry has categorically refuted the publications in various media that the identity of the deceased has been partially established. In statements Mendoni said that the purpose of the geophysical studies of the hill is to discover if other tombs are hidden inside it.