Vergina (Aigai)

Vergina corresponds to the ancient city of Aigai, the original first capital of the Kingdom of Macedon in northern Greece. The city served as the royal burial ground for the Argead dynasty. It was also the site of the dramatic assassination of King Philip II.

In 1977, Manolis Andronikos led excavations that unearthed a cluster of royal tombs beneath the Great Tumulus. One of these tombs was found intact, containing lavish grave goods and a larnax with cremated remains. This discovery is widely considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.

It is widely accepted that Tomb II belongs to King Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. The remains found inside an ossuary chest included a male skeleton with a damaged right eye socket, matching historical descriptions of Philip. However, some debate continues among historians regarding the exact identification.

The tombs yielded a staggering array of golden objects, including the famous golden larnax and a myrtle wreath. Weapons, bronze shields, and intricate silver vessels were also recovered. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the immense wealth and craftsmanship of the ancient Macedonian court.