However, in all the hoopla over the enduringly famous son, the golden child's father is often overlooked by the casual investigator of Greece. Not for much longer. The sumptuous tomb site at Aigai (Vergina) reveals splendid artifacts and structural remains show that Philip the Second of Macedon was quite a guy himself.
Located at Vergina in Northern Greece, an area which is also often overlooked by visitors to Greece, the discovery of the tombs has put Alexander's forebears literally on the map.
Philip the Second's tomb was discovered in 1977; yes, some scholars debate the identification in favor of a lesser-known son of Philip's, Arrahios, but Greece believes the gold-drenched tomb must have belonged to the king himself. Similarly, some believe that Philip was assassinated by the order of his own son Alexander, which might downgrade the boy's title to "Alexander - Great Guy, So-So Son."
A substantial palace dominates the site, which also is studded with hundreds of tumuli, mounded tombs, and many small tomb structures. The site also includes some later Roman remains.
The Royal Tombs Museum offers a glassed-in look at the actual excavation sites of the royal tombs. But this is only half of the story, and to many glitter-loving visitors, it's the lesser half. The Archaeological Museum at Thessaloniki holds all of the gold artifacts, including the gold casket adorned with a sixteen-pointed gold star which held Philip's bones. Parts of this dazzling exhibit are sometimes on loan to other museums - check before your visit.
Getting There:
Vergina is located 47 miles/75 kilometers southwest of Thessaloniki, on a relatively easy, well-marked road. Don't want to drive yourself? Organized tours are available from virtually every travel operator in Thessaloniki.
Site operating hours are as follows:
November 1st to March 31: Daily: 08:30 - 15:00, closed on Monday.
From July 1st to October 31 : Mondays: 08.00 - 19.00[bt]
Tuesday - Sunday and holidays: 08:00 - 19:00
Official Website: Archaeological Site of Vergina
