Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina)

country. Greece

year of inscription. 1996

criteria. Cultural

The city of Aigai (or, Aegae) was the first capital, from 808 – 399 BCE, of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. Macedon, which began in the 9th century BCE lasted until the 1st century BCE, would under the leadership of its king, Alexander the Great (356 – 323 BCE, reigned: 336 – 323 BCE), grow to become the definitive and most extensive Hellenistic Greek state.

Since the late 19th century, excavation works have begun in the area and remains of a palace was discovered. Archaeological research continued intermittently through to the 20th century, where more parts of the palace was re-discovered. In 1977, the tombs of Macedon royalty were discovered, including what was the burial place of King Philip II (382 – 336 BCE), the father of Alexander the Great. Following that, more royal tombs have also been discovered and excavated. Today, the site houses a museum, which showcases the rich array of artefacts excavated as well as being built over four burial mounds (including that of Philip II) and a small temple.

what. WHS visited (September 2016)

[Samsung Galaxy Note 5, 09 September 2016]