Archaeologists excavating a large burial mound in northern Greece have asked politicians and others seeking guided tours of the site to leave them in peace.

The Culture Ministry appealed for “understanding” while the Amphipolis excavation proceeds.

The partially uncovered tomb, from the end of Greek warrior-king Alexander the Great’s reign, has captivated the public imagination, fuelling wild speculation that it may contain rich treasure and the bones of an ancient celebrity.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has already visited the site, and state TV daily leads news bulletins with incremental developments in the ongoing excavation.

So far, archaeologists have uncovered part of the late 4th Century BC tomb’s entrance with two large stone sphinxes.

Alexander built an empire reaching from Greece to India, and is said to have been buried in Egypt.

Source: AP.