Vergina- The Royal Capital of Macedonia
Aegae was the first capital of ancient Macedonia.
It remained in oblivion for about 23 centuries.
When it was found the famous treasures had been
waiting patiently to be discovered.
The first excavation of the tombs were conducted by
Greek archeologist Manolis Andronicos in 1977.
Everyone was amazed by the the finds in this setting.
Today the "Great Tumulus" with the royal tombs introduce
to the public the magnificent discoveries
in the Macedonian capital.
This area gave birth to King Phillip
and to his son, Alexander the Great.
Aegae was the first capital until it was transferred to Pella.
But, the old capital continued
to be the place for the royal tombs.
In 168 BC Aegae was conquered by the Romans who
likely caused the destruction by setting it on fire.
In the 14th century a small village called Palatitsa
was mentioned in documents.
A small modern settlement was founded in 1922
named after Vergina, the mythical queen of the area.
Areas of the palace and theater were excavated as early as 1861,
with later work to the end of World War 2.
The facade of the tomb of Phillip II.
It is believed that the Great Tumulus-
a massive earthen hill, was formed during the years
of the Macedonian King Antigonus Gonatus in 2nd Century B.C.
It was built to protect the sacred monuments
against the desecration of hostile armies.
Phillip was a masterful leader and military strategist.
He was assassinated in October in 336 BC at Aegae.
Phillip and his royal court were gathered in order
to celebrate the marriage of his daughter.
His bodyguard approached him and stabbed him in the ribs.
Alexander was pronounced King of Macedonia on the spot
and the funeral preparations for Phillip II began in that place.
Clay vessels from the tombs.
The tomb area is thought to contain Phillip II,
and his wife Olympias.
Also Phillip III- Alexander's half-brother and Alexander IV
of Macedon (Alexander the Great's son)
It is also believed that one of the tombs
contained Cleopatra, one of Phillip's wives. (He had seven.)
Copper vessels and other finds from the tomb of Phillip II.
Bottom left- the gold larnax with the twelve-ray star from
the funeral chamber of the tomb of Phillip.
The wreath of oak tree leaves is hanging above.
Bottom right-The iron breastplate found in the tomb of Phillip II.
The magnificent gold pieces found are remarkable.
Silver vessels and carvings.
Mural in the antechamber of the Prince's tomb.
There is still scholarly discussion about whether
the tomb really holds Phillip II. But, does it really matter?
The findings here are from an ancient tomb that
had not been robbed of its bounty.
This is a wonderful picture of place
and historic significance because it
certainly was a king of Macedon.
Entrance to the museum over the Great Tumulus.
How does this site help a visitor find the story of Saint Paul?
It is a glimpse into the story of Alexander the Great,
who wrote the history of the then-known world.
Alexander the Great's conquests and his establishment
of the Hellenistic world significantly impacted
the world of St Paul.
His empire, while short-lived, spread Greek culture,
language, and ideas throughout the eastern Mediterranean
and beyond,
creating a backdrop for Paul's missionary journeys.
