Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina) in Greece

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
The Royal Tombs at Aigai: a Museum on the Site (Hellenic Ministry of Culture)
Vergina-Aigai (Hellenic Ministry of Culture)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1996
Size of heritage: 1,421 ha
- Buffer zone: 4,812 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 22,318°
Latitude: 40,471°

Summary

The city of Aigai, the ancient first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia, was discovered in the 19th century near Vergina, in northern Greece. The most important remains are the monumental palace, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs in the Great Tumulus is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world.

Location on Map

Show bigger map on Openstreetmap

Archaeological Site of Aigai (modern name Vergina)

The Archaeological Site of Aigai, also known as Vergina, is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Prefecture of Imathia, in the Region of Central Macedonia, Greece. This ancient city was the first capital of the Kingdom of Macedonia and holds great historical and cultural significance.

History

Aigai was founded by Perdiccas I, the first king of Macedonia, in the mid-7th century BC. It quickly became the political and cultural center of the Macedonian kingdom. The city reached its peak during the reign of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great, in the 4th century BC.

During this time, Aigai flourished as an important administrative and religious center. It was here that Philip II was assassinated in 336 BC, and his son Alexander the Great was proclaimed king. The city continued to thrive under Alexander's rule and became a prominent center of Hellenistic civilization.

However, Aigai's prosperity was short-lived. After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, the city gradually declined and was eventually abandoned. Over time, it was buried under layers of earth and forgotten.

Rediscovery and Excavation

The rediscovery of Aigai began in 1861 when a local villager accidentally stumbled upon a tomb containing a wealth of gold and other precious artifacts. This discovery led to the realization that the site was of great archaeological importance.

Excavations at Aigai started in 1937 under the direction of archaeologist Manolis Andronikos. Over the years, numerous tombs, palaces, and other structures have been unearthed, shedding light on the ancient city's grandeur and significance.

Current State

Today, the Archaeological Site of Aigai is a well-preserved and captivating destination for history enthusiasts. The site covers an area of approximately 1,600 hectares and includes various archaeological remains.

One of the most remarkable features of the site is the Royal Tombs. These tombs, discovered intact and undisturbed, contained the remains of members of the Macedonian royal family, including Philip II and Alexander IV. The treasures found within these tombs, such as intricate gold jewelry and ceremonial weapons, provide valuable insights into the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient Macedonia.

Other notable structures at Aigai include the Palace, the Theater, and the Acropolis. The Palace, built during the reign of Philip II, was a grand complex with luxurious rooms and impressive architecture. The Theater, with its semi-circular seating area, once hosted performances and gatherings. The Acropolis, situated on a hill overlooking the city, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The Archaeological Museum of Vergina, located near the site, houses a vast collection of artifacts discovered at Aigai. Visitors can admire the exquisite gold jewelry, intricate frescoes, and other archaeological finds that provide a glimpse into the ancient Macedonian civilization.

The Archaeological Site of Aigai, with its rich historical and cultural heritage, stands as a testament to the greatness of ancient Macedonia. Its well-preserved ruins and remarkable artifacts continue to captivate visitors, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of this once-thriving city.

Hotels and places to stay

Check availability

Evridiki

Address
Distance: 0,8 mi
Anaktoron 3
59031 Vergina
Greece

Time Information

Checkout: - Checkin:
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 8:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 12:00

Check availability

Olympia Guesthouse

Address
Distance: 1,0 mi
Aristotelous 30
590 31 Vergina
Greece

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 13:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 23:30
Weekend: closed

Check availability

Ktima Kalaitzi

Address
Distance: 2,0 mi
Metochi Prodromou
59031 Veroia
Greece

Time Information

Checkout: 12:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: -
Weekend: closed

Videos from the area

Tours-TV.com: Museum in Vergina

Published: January 06, 2015
Length: 03:31 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: ToursTV Com

Greece : Vergina. See on map http://tours-tv.com/en/Museum-in-Vergina .

Tours-TV.com: Great Tumulus Museum at Vergina

Published: January 06, 2015
Length: 44:33 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: ToursTV Com

Greece : Vergina. See on map http://tours-tv.com/en/Great-Tumulus-Museum-at-Vergina .

Tours-TV.com: Tomb of his son Alexander Makedonsky

Published: January 06, 2015
Length: 03:45 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: ToursTV Com

Greece : Vergina. See on map http://tours-tv.com/en/Tomb-of-his-son-Alexander-Makedonsky .

Aspis Philippou B' Philip II's shield

Published: December 29, 2010
Length: 01:53 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: eismakedon

The interior side strappings of Philip II's bronze shield. Videos are not allowed in most Greek museums, so this is the best we could do. This is the museum in situ, inside the "Megali tumba",...

Alexander the Great battle Gaugamela Greek by descend Macedonian Αλέξανδρος

Published: April 20, 2009
Length: 51:35 min
Rating: 4 of 5
Author: Thanos Med

Alexander the Great,Macedon king and Unifier of greek,Great hellenizer of the world.No need to comment of the sayings of Alexander,as he ,in public,said that what he does is for his motherland...