VERGINA Anc. Aigai - 2008

Vergina (anc. Aigai). C. Saatsoglou-Paliadeli (Aristotelian University, Thessaloniki) reports the discovery within anc. fill in the sanctuary of Eukleia of a gold wreath of oak leaves, of the same dimensions and technique as those in the royal tombs of the Megali Toumba and surely of the same 4thCt date. The wreath, which lay over human bones, was contained within a solid gold vessel (a round, pyxis-like shape with a lid which so far appears unique), which was itself contained within a larger (ca. 0.5m h.) cylindrical bronze vessel, also with a lid. The discovery of such a funerary assemblage outside the area of the royal cemetery raises questions about the function of the agora itself. Questions centre on why a surely significant individual was buried with such wealth in the most public and most sacred spot within the city walls. Subsequent examination of the bone remains indicates that they belong to a young male.