Vergina — Philip's Forgotten Tombs

Your quest begins at the Great Tomb of Philip II in Vergina, the first funerary palace of its kind in ancient Greece. Discovered intact in 1977 by Manolis Andronikos under the Grand Tumulus, this Macedonian royal tomb, built around 336 BC, is famous for its painted facade depicting a lion hunt scene. Its imposing dimensions, 10.40 m x 10.20 m x 8.40 m interior height, housed the 11 kg silver funerary urn containing 6.5 kg of gold, identified as that of Philip II. The diadem and the myrtle wreath of 111 leaves and 68 pure gold berries were also found there, offering a glimpse into royal funerary rituals.

Continue your investigation at the Royal Tombs Museum of Aigai, a building inaugurated in 1993, constructed under the Grand Tumulus to protect the discovered Macedonian royal tombs. This archaeological site, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, houses the unlooted tomb of Philip II. Here you will see golden treasures, including a crown of 313 oak leaves. The museum covers the tombs of three Macedonian kings from the 4th century BC, exhibiting an ivory and gold shield, and a gilded iron cuirass, testaments to the power and wealth of ancient Macedon.

Within the Royal Tombs Museum of Aigai, you will also discover the Prince's Tomb. This 4th-century BC Macedonian royal tomb, attributed to Prince Alcetas IV or a young member of the royal family, was discovered intact in 1977, containing the remains of a 13-14 year old adolescent. Its painted facade illustrates a 'Libation' scene, and although smaller than the Great Tomb, at 5.5 m x 5 m, it contained a small 1.5 kg gold urn and miniature ivory weapons, indicating a princely juvenile burial and the high status of its occupant in the Vergina necropolis.

Your journey then leads you to the Ancient Theatre of Aigai, built in the 4th century BC in Aigai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedon. With an estimated capacity of 10,000 spectators, this theatre, whose remains include the circular orchestra and stone-carved seating into the hillside, is the probable site of Philip II's assassination in 336 BC during his daughter's wedding celebrations. It was here, near the Royal Palace of Aigai, one of the largest in ancient Greece with 15,000 m², that the fate of Alexander the Great's father was sealed, an event that would change the course of Central Macedonian history.

Finally, your exploration of the Royal Tombs of Vergina under the Grand Tumulus reveals Macedonian ingenuity. Erected in the 3rd century BC, this artificial tumulus, 110 m in diameter and 15 m high, was designed with a 12 m thick layer of earth and stone to protect the four royal tombs from looters. Excavated in 1977, it represents the central site of the Macedonian necropolis, offering a unique insight into funerary practices and the desire of the kings of Macedon to preserve their legacy for eternity. This interactive visit to Vergina offers a complete immersion in the history of ancient Greece.