but haven't found one, with some saying remains may

The world has been waiting with bated breath to see whether one of Alexander the Great’s relatives lies in a mysterious ancient tomb in Greece.

But it appears, for now, that archaeologists have come to a dead end, because the tomb’s third chamber, which has yielded no remains, is its last.

Despite this disappointment, some experts are cautiously optimistic that the burial chamber is hidden below ground, while others caution that the tomb, which dates back to between 325 and 300 BC, was robbed years ago.

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Archaeologists have come to a dead end excavating a tomb in Greece because it appears its third chamber, which has yielded no remains, is its last. In the early days of the excavation, a pair of headless sphinxes were found ‘guarding’ the entrance of the huge burial mound in Amphipolis, in northern Greece

In the early days of the excavation, which has been ongoing since August, a pair of headless sphinxes were found ‘guarding’ the entrance of the huge burial mound in Amphipolis, in northern Greece.

Since then treasures have been regularly unearthed, including an 'exceptional' female head belonging to one of the mythical creatures, and a beautiful mosaic depicting a Greek mythical scene.

Experts said the finds hint that the massive mound was intended for an important woman - possibly the wife or mother of Alexander the Great.

But, its owner may remain a mystery, because the Greek Ministry of Culture has announced that the third chamber of the tomb is the last one.

Experts have so far uncovered huge statues in the tomb (the exterior is pictured) but are concerned that due to the positioning of some of the finds, it may have been looted and any remains removed

A marble door weighing 1.5 tonnes was unearthed in the third chamber (pictured). Archaeologists are working to remove sandy soil in the room in a bid to uncover what they think is a slate floor. They hope a burial chamber lies beneath, although the Greek Ministry of Culture says that a fourth chamber may not exist

THEORIES OF WHY A FOURTH CHAMBER HAS NOT BEEN FOUND History enthusiasts captivated by the mystery of who was buried in the Amphipolis tomb were disappointed when the Greek Ministry of Culture announced that a fourth burial chamber hasn't been uncovered. There are many theories about whether it exists. Looting: Some experts simply say that the third chamber is the last one. This could mean that any remains were taken from the third chamber. The Greek ministry of Culture has said since excavations began that the tomb could have been looted in antiquity, as suggested by broken sculptures, pieces of which have been found in unlikely places inside the tomb. Hidden chamber underground: Others hope that a burial chamber lies beneath the third chamber. Archaeologists are currently moving soil to uncover the floor in the hope of finding a hidden room. It's unfinished: There is the possibility that the tomb is unfinished and was never used. Archaeologist and author Dorothy King said that it may have been built for Alexander the Great himself. Advertisement

Experts had hoped to find a fourth chamber linked to the third by a ‘gap’ in the wall.

However, the general secretary of the Ministry of Culture Lina Mendoni told The Greek Reporter that some archaeologists hope a fourth secret burial chamber may be discovered underground and is covered by a horizontal sealing wall.

They are currently digging down through three feet (one metre) of sandy soil to reach the floor of the third chamber in the hope of finding another entrance.

A geophysical survey of the site shows how large and rambling it appears to be, leading some commentators to hope that it is a matter of time before more of the burial complex is revealed.

In an interview with Ethnos newspaper, Michalis Tiverios, a Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Thessaloniki said: ‘I'm about 95 per cent sure that the 3rd Chamber is the last one.

'It's possible that we will find a throne - in case the tomb belongs to a woman - or a deathbed or a marble case where the golden urn was placed.’

Katerina Peristeri, the lead archaeologist on the project, fears that the tomb has been plundered and that the third chamber is the last, indicating that perhaps the remains of whoever may have been buried there were removed long ago.

She said that if looting has taken place, it indicates that it was the resting place of an important person.

She thinks this may have happened because parts of the Sphinx statues guarding an outer chamber were found in the inner third chamber.

At a press conference at the archaeological Museum of Amphipolis, Mrs Mendoni said: ‘The tomb has obviously experienced human intervention, as we can see so far. Since the beginning of the announcements, we had said and repeated several times that we have very strong indications of looting.’

‘Under the present evidence, we cannot speak of another room. This monument, as revealed, is extremely important, not just for the area and Macedonia alone, but also for history and archaeology.

Archaeologists have found a female head belonging to a headless sphinx. Because it was found further into the tomb than the mythical creature's body, it suggests the tomb may have been opened years ago. The head has tumbling curls, (pictured) which experts say were once painted a red colour

This is the second door to be discovered in the tomb. The third chamber, in which it was found, has an incline caused by the floor caving in. It is filled with sandy soil, which is likely to be more than five feet deep, and experts are working to remove it

The Greek Culture Ministry said: ‘It [the head, pictured] is a sculpture of exceptional art’. The only damage is a missing piece of the nose and fragments of the mythical creatures’ wings have also been found. The ministry has now announced that the third chamber of the tomb is its last

THE GREEK SPHINX In Greek tradition, the mythical sphinx has the haunches of a lion, sometimes with the wings of a great bird, and the face of a human - usually a woman. It was described by writers as being treacherous and merciless. In many myths, including Oedipus, those who could not answer a riddle posed by the monster, would be killed and eaten. The sphinx described by the Ancient Egyptians was usually male and more benevolent. In both cultures, they often guarded entrances to temples and important tombs. The oldest sphinx found guarding a site was discovered in Turkey and dates to 9,500 BC. Advertisement

‘It also confirms that a lot of time needs to be spent on studying it: it’s possible that the scientific community will be discussing this monument and its significance in the science of history and archaeology for the next 10 or 15 years even.’

There are even suggestions that British soldiers stationed in Macedonia during World War One, came across the tomb and removed artefacts.

An article by Ancient Origins goes so far as to suggest Dr Eric Gardner, who was a British medic during the war, donated some of the tomb's treasures to The British Museum.

Other archaeologists have theorised that the tomb may not hold any remains because it was never finished – and could have been intended for Alexander the Great himself.

Dorothy King, an American archaeologist who lives in England, reportedly said: '... the empty rooms and dead end support a cenotaph … for Alexander the Great, which was not reused for anyone else since doing so with such an important tomb might have seemed presumptuous.'

Last week, archaeologists found an 'exceptional' female head belonging to one of the mythical creatures, complete with tumbling curls, which they say were once painted a red colour.

The Greek Culture Ministry said: ‘It is a sculpture of exceptional art’.

The only damage is a missing piece of the nose. Fragments of the mythical creatures’ wings have also been found.

The marble bust measures 24inches (60cm) tall and belongs to the sphinx on the right-hand size of the arch.

Tomb expert Dimitris Gotsis created a mock-up of what the archway may have looked like and shared it on Facebook. The sphinx stares challengingly towards anyone entering the burial site

An imposing mosaic of Pluto driving a chariot (pictured) has been uncovered, adding weight to archaeologists’ suspicions that the burial mound could hold the remains of a family member of Alexander the Great. While no burial room has been found so far, there are hopes that it may lie underground

MYTHOLOGICAL PERSEPHONE In Greek mythology, Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and the harvest goddess Demeter. She lived far from the other deities after being hidden by her mother, who rejected the romantic advances of Apollo and Hermes. Pluto, god of the underworld (also known as Hades) abducted her, bursting forth through the earth. This scene is depicted in many famous works of art and is known as the 'rape of Persephone'. Demeter searches for her daughter all over the Earth, neglecting her harvesting duties and causing great hunger. Zeus orders Pluto to return his daughter. Pluto complies with the request but tricks Persephone by giving her pomegranate seeds to eat - food from the underworld - which means she has to spend half of the year (the winter months) in the underworld, and the remaining time with the gods above. Advertisement

The head was found in the third chamber of the tomb, where experts recently unearthed a remarkable mosaic depicting the mythical tale of the rape of Persephone.

They have now cleared the entire surface of the third chamber, which measures 14ft (4.5metres) by 19ft (6metres) and 17ft (5.20metres) high Archaeology News Network reported.

In the coming days, the experts intend on removing fallen pieces of limestone from the third chamber to reveal more of a huge door.

The discovery that the sphinx’s head is female, together with other pieces of evidence, may add weight to some archaeologists’ belief that the massive memorial was built for a woman of high status.

They think the burial mound may hold the remains of the mother or wife of Alexander the Great – or even perhaps an important military man.

However, sphinxes are usually depicted with female faces.

Last week, the Greek Ministry of Culture showed off a mosaic measuring 15 feet (4.5 metres) by 10 feet (3 metres) that covers the whole floor of a room, which is thought to be the ante chamber to the main burial room.

It is not known they experts will enter the final chamber.

The female figure in it is Persephone - daughter of Zeus and the harvest goddess Demeter – who is wearing a white robe and riding in a chariot, according toThe Greek Reporter.

The entirety of a recently-uncovered mosaic in a mysterious Greek tomb in Amphipolis has been revealed. It shows Persephone being abducted by Pluto (pictured), who according to the ancient tale, is taking her to the underworld aboard a chariot

In Greek mythology, Persephone is the daughter of Zeus and the harvest goddess Demeter. The tale in which she is carried off to live in the underworld with Pluto, has inspired many great works of art, such as a statue by Gian Lorenze Bernini (left) and Dante Gabriel Rossetti (right) who chose to depict her with darker hair

The mosaic is composed of tiny pieces of coloured stone to form an image of a chariot drawn by two white horses, driven by Pluto wearing a crown of laurel leaves. Hermes, the messenger of the gods in ancient Greece, stands in front of the chariot, (pictured) according to experts from the Greek Culture Ministry

THE ANCIENT MOSAIC The mosaic measures 15 feet (4.5 metres) by 10 feet (3 metres) and covers the whole floor of a room, which is thought to be the ante chamber to the main burial room at Amphipolis. It is composed of tiny pieces of white, black, blue, red, yellow and grey stone to form an image of a chariot drawn by two white horses, driven by a bearded man wearing a crown of laurel leaves. Hermes, the messenger of the gods in ancient Greece, stands in front of the chariot, according to experts from the Greek Culture Ministry. It has not been competely uncovered and a large section in the centre is missing. The mosaic dates from the fourth century BC, matching dating of the other finds, which are from the time of Alexander the Great. Advertisement

Experts say the scene shows her being abducted by Pluto and being led to the underworld. She goes on to become queen of Hades for half of every year.

Hermes, the messenger to the gods, is seen guiding the chariot to the underworld.

The scene, based on ancient Greek myths, was popular for illustrating tombs at the time and a mural on a similar theme is found in another royal tomb at Aiges, nearby.

The mosaic is composed of tiny pieces of white, black, blue, red, yellow and grey stone to form an image of a chariot drawn by two white horses, driven by a Pluto - a bearded man wearing a crown of laurel leaves.

It is being protected with layers of Styrofoam and a temporary wooden floor, while archaeologists work on revealing the tantalising contents of the next chamber.

The mosaic dates from the fourth century BC, matching dating of the other finds, which are from the time of Alexander the Great.

There is widespread speculation over who was buried at the site - from Roxana, Alexandra's Persian wife to Olympias, the king's mother, to one of his generals.

The mosaic (pictured) measures 15 feet (4.5 metres) by 10 feet (3 metres) covering the whole floor of a room

Experts believe the ancient mound, situated around 65 miles (100km) from Thessaloniki (shown on the map) was built for a prominent Macedonian in around 300 to 325BC

A number of scholars believe that the presence of female figures, known as caryatids, show that the tomb belongs to a female.

Writer Andrew Chugg, who has published a book on the search for the legendary leader's tomb, as well as several academic papers, told The Greek Reporter that sphinxes guarding the tomb are decorated in a similar way to those found in the tombs of two queens of Macedon, including the king’s grandmother.

In Greek mythology, Hera, the wife of Zeus, is depicted as the mistress of the sphinx. As the Macedonian kings of at the time of Alexander identified themselves with Zeus, Mr Chugg thinks their queens may have been associated with the mythical creature.

He goes on to explain that the sphinxes guarding the tomb are most similar to a pair at Saqqara, which is thought to be the site of the first tomb of Alexander the Great - whose body, it is thought, was moved around after his death.

He also points out that the facades of the tombs of Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II and Alexander IV, are similar to the façade of the lion monument found, which was thought to have originally stood atop the mystery tomb.

In addition to this there are also similarities between the Serres paving and rosettes and those found inside Philip II’s.

A number of scholars believe that the presence of female figures, known as caryatids (pictured) show that the tomb in the Amphipolis region of Serres belongs to a female - probably Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias

An expert listed a number of features such as caryatids and sphinxes that indicate the tomb belongs to a woman. He thinks it was most likely built for Alexander the Great's mother because the caryatid female figures are probably Klodones - the priestess of Dionysus. A close-up of their sandals are pictured

With all this, he believes the grand burial was built for Olympias or Alexander the Great’s wife, Roxane, who are both thought to have died at Amphipolis around the same time as the tomb's construction in the last quarter of the 4th century BC.

Mr Chugg thinks it was most likely built for Olympias because the caryatid female figures are probably Klodones – the priestess of Dionysus.

Greek writer Plutarch said in a biography about Alexander the Great that his mother consorted with the priestess.

Details of a sculpted female figure, known as a Caryatid, is seen inside a site of an archaeological excavation at the town of Amphipolis, in northern Greece on the right and feathers can be seen on one of the two large stone sphinxes (pictured left) which sit beneath a barrel-vault topping the entrance to its main chamber

In it, he writes that Philip II dreamt that he closed Olympia’s womb with a lion seal, which perhaps explains the lion statue thought to have been placed on top of the mysterious burial mound.

Experts have previously suggested that the tomb belongs to one of the king’s officials. There are hopes that despite looting, a body may still remain inside the burial mound.

During recent excavations, archaeologists have discovered fragments of a broken marble door which lead to the third chamber of the tomb . They have also discovered iron and bronze nails as well as a large hinge.

They say that the evidence follows the standard form of a Macedonian tomb, GreekReporter.com reported.

Experts believe the ancient mound, situated around 65 miles (100km) from Thessaloniki, was built for a prominent Macedonian in around 300 to 325BC.

Here, archaeologists work outside a site of the tomb in Amphipolis, in northern Greece

Access to the third chamber was made possible after experts unearthed two sculpted female figures, known as Caryatids, last month.

By removing a large volume of soil, behind the wall bearing the two sculpted female figures, they were able to uncover the next chamber.

Until now, experts had only partially investigated the antechamber of the tomb and uncovered a marble wall concealing one or more inner chambers.

During initial observations, the archaeologists found that the level of sandy soil in the third chamber is lower than in the previous two chambers.

This tweet shows the topography of the tomb and land around it

Speculation continues about who the mysterious ancient tomb recently unearthed in Greece belongs to, with one academic now suggesting Alexander the Great's mother, Olympias (etched in a coin from 316BC) was buried there

WHY MIGHT THE TOMB BELONG TO OLYMPIAS? Expert Andrew Chugg thinks that the sphinxes are similar to some found in the tomb of Alexander the Great’s grandmother. He thinks that queens of the time were associated with the mythical animals. The sphinx statues are also similar to a pair at Saqqara, which is thought to be the site of the first tomb of Alexander the Great, before his body was moved. The lion which was once top the burial mound has a similar façade to the tomb of Alexander the Great’s father, Philip II. This evidence suggests the burial was built for Olympias or Alexander the Great’s wife, Roxane who both died in the last quarter of the 4th century BC when the tomb was built. Mr Chugg thinks it was for Olympias because the caryatid female figures are probably Klodones – the priestess of Dionysus. A story by Greek writer Plutarch that Olympia’s womb was closed by a lion seal – perhaps explaining the connection with the lion statue. Advertisement

The dome structure has been weakened, as a result of losing a large amount of earth, and the researchers found the arched dome of the third chamber is on the verge of collapse, due to 'deep and extensive cracks' on either side.

Before the discovery of the Caryatids, it was feared the ‘incredibly important’ tomb dating to the time of Alexander the Great had been plundered in antiquity.

Archaeologists said that a hole in the decorated wall, and signs of forced entry, indicated it had been looted.

But the discovery of the female sculptures gave fresh hope that some treasure may have survived, after all.

On the left, an expert works on painstakingly removing the soil surrounding a large sculpture of a Caryatid - a female that takes the place of a column to support a building. Details of the body of a sphinx are pictured right, including its feathered wings and muscular body

Clockwise from top right shows two headless, marble sphinxes found above the entrance to the barrel-vaulted tomb, details of the facade and the lower courses of the blocking wall, the antechamber's mosaic floor, a 4.2-metre long stone slab, and the upper uncovered sections of two female figures. The second and third chambers, not pictured, have not yet been explored

WHAT ARE CARYATIDS? Caryatids are sculptures of females that take the place of a column to support a building. They are a distinctive feature in Ancient Greek architecture and famously hold up the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens. Their elaborate hairstyles provide support to their necks that would otherwise be too thin and weak to support a heavy load. The Caryatids in the Greek tomb are made of marble and support an inner entrance into the burial plot. They feature the same sculpting technique used for the heads and wings of two sphinxes found guarding the main entrance of the tomb in August. Advertisement

The Caryatids are made of marble and support an inner entrance into the tomb.

They feature the same sculpting technique used for the heads and wings of two sphinxes found guarding the main entrance of the tomb last month.

‘The structure of the second entrance with the Caryatids is an important finding, which supports the view that it is a prominent monument of great importance,’ the Culture Ministry said.

The face of one of the Caryatids is missing, while both figures have one hand outstretched in a symbolic move to push away anyone who would try to violate the tomb.

Archaeologists have said that the Amphipolis site appears to be the largest ancient tomb ever discovered in Greece at 1,935ft (590m) wide.

Archaeologists unearthed two sculpted female figures, known as Caryatids, (pictured) as they dug deeper at the site in the northeast of Greece. The half-bodied statues made of marble have thick hair covering their shoulders and are wearing a sleeved tunic

The paw of one of the sphinxes guarding the tomb is pictured. Experts say that all the artefacts uncovered so far, suggest it is a tomb typical of the Macedonian style

Mr Chugg thinks the tomb was most likely built for Olympias (illustrated) because the caryatid female figures are probably Klodones - the priestess of Dionysu, whom she is said to have communicated with in a story

Two months ago, pictures emerged of a pair of sphinxes guarding the grave's main entrance beneath a large arch and experts said that most of the earth around the mythical creatures had been removed to reveal part of a marble lintel with frescoes.

The historian Diogenes Laertius said that Laomedon was banished by Alexander the Great's father, Philip II but returned to Macedonia when Alexander took the throne.

After governing a province in Syria after Alexander's death, he was captured by Nicanor when the empire broke up.

The story goes that he managed to escape to Caria, where he was promised the city of Amphipolis. So if his remains - or evidence that the final resting place is his - are found in the tomb, it could play a role in proving tales of the past.

‘The excavation will answer the crucial question of who was buried inside,’ Mr Samaras said.

Archaeologists who fear that few treasures and clues to its owner may remain in the tomb, said that part of a stone wall that blocked off the subterranean entrance was found to be missing, while the sphinxes, which were originally six feet (two metres) high, lack heads and wings.

WHO WAS ALEXANDER THE GREAT? Alexander (statue pictured) was born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia in July 356 BC, and died of a fever in Babylon in June 323 BC Alexander (statue pictured) was born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia in July 356 BC, and died of a fever in Babylon in June 323 BC Alexander (statue pictured) was born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia in July 356 BC, and died of a fever in Babylon in June 323 BC Alexander III of Macedon was born in Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia in July 356 BC. He died of a fever in Babylon in June 323 BC. Alexander led an army across the Persian territories of Asia Minor, Syria and Egypt claiming the land as he went. His greatest victory was at the Battle of Gaugamela, now northern Iraq, in 331 BC, and during his trek across these Persian territories, he was said to never have suffered a defeat. This led him to be known as Alexander the Great. Following this battle in Gaugamela, Alexander led his army a further 11,000 miles (17,700km), founded over 70 cities and created an empire that stretched across three continents. This covered from Greece in the west, to Egypt in the south, Danube in the north, and Indian Punjab to the East. Alexander was buried in Egypt. His fellow royals were traditionally interred in a cemetery near Vergina, far to the west. The lavishly-furnished tomb of Alexander's father, Philip II, was discovered during the 1970s. Advertisement

Chief archaeologist Katerina Peristeri said that the monument being uncovered is a unique tomb, not just for Greece but for the entire Balkanic peninsula, and described it as being of ‘global interest’.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras added the discovery ‘is clearly extremely important’.

Alexander, who started from the northern Greek region of Macedonia to build an empire stretching as far as India, died in 323 B.C. and was buried in Egypt.

His fellow royals were traditionally interred in a cemetery near Vergina, to the west, where the lavishly-furnished tomb of Alexander's father, Philip II, was discovered during the 1970s.

But archaeologists believe the Amphipolis grave, which is surrounded by a surprisingly long and well-built wall with courses of marble decorations, may have belonged to a senior ancient official.

Dr Peristeri argued the mound was originally topped by a large stone lion that was unearthed a century ago, and is now situated around 3 miles (5km) from the excavation site.

Geophysical teams have identified there are three main rooms within the huge circular structure.

In the past, the lion has been associated with Laomedon of Mytilene, one of Alexander's military commanders who became governor of Syria after the king's death.