Two stunning statues have been discovered holding up the entrance to the biggest ancient tomb ever found in Greece, archaeologists say.

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The two female figures in long-sleeved tunics were found standing guard at the opening to the mysterious Alexander The Great-era tomb near Amphipolis in the Macedonia region of northern Greece, archaeologists said.

“The left arm of one and the right arm of the other are raised in a symbolic gesture to refuse entry to the tomb,” a statement from the Culture Ministry said.

Speculation is mounting that the tomb, which dates from Alexander’s lifetime (356-323BC), may be untouched, with its treasures intact.

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Previous evacuations of Macedonian tombs have uncovered amazing troves of gold jewellery and sculptures.

A five-metre tall marble lion, currently standing on a nearby roadside, originally topped the 500 metre-long funeral mound, which is ringed by a marble wall.

Two headless stone Sphinx statues flanked the outer entrance, officials said, adding that “removing earth from the second entrance wall revealed the excellent marble caryatids”.

Photographs released by the ministry show the sculptures – which hold up a lintel – uncovered to mid-bust, their curly hair falling onto their shoulders.

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Archaeologists have been digging at the site, which Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras called a “very important find”, since mid-August.

The ministry said the lay-out of “the second entrance with the caryatids gives us an important clue that it is a monument of particular importance”.

Expectation had already begun to build given the quality of the sculpted column capitals and delicately coloured floor mosaic already discovered at the site.

Theories abound about who could be buried in the tumulus tomb, ranging from Alexander’s Bactrian wife Roxane, to his mother Olympias or one of his generals.

Experts say the chances of Alexander himself being buried there are small, however.

After his death at 32 in Babylon, the most celebrated conqueror of the ancient world is believed to have been buried in Alexandria, the Egyptian city he founded – although no grave has ever been found there.