Vergina - Ancient Aigai

Vergina in northern Greece is the site of ancient Aigai, the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedon, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 as an exceptional testimony to the transition from classical city-state to imperial Hellenistic structures. In 1977, archaeologist Manolis Andronikos uncovered the undisturbed tomb of Philip II beneath the Great Tumulus, containing a golden larnax weighing 11 kg emblazoned with the Vergina Sun, an elaborate gold oak wreath, ivory-inlaid shields, and gold armor with greaves custom-fitted to Philip's injured leg. Philip II was assassinated here in 336 BC, and his son Alexander the Great was proclaimed king.