Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Greece 2023: Aigae II

 The amazing thing about the tombs found in The Great Tumulus at Aigae (Modern Vergina) is that two were undisturbed.  Thus, we have an amazing view into the wealth and craftsmanship of the ancient world.

Modern picture of Philip II, based on reconstruction of the skull:

Pottery:


Arrow quiver and greaves.  The greaves are made to fit a man with an inured leg, which matches a wound of Philip II:



Spears, greaves, and shield fittings:

Furniture fittings:

The crown and coffin of Philip II's wife buried with him:


Bed fittings:


Shield fittings.  Likely this was never used in battle:


The crown and coffin of Philip II:


Grave goods:


Wreath from the antechamber of Philip II's tomb:




Grave goods from Alexander IV's tomb:



10 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:58 AM

    Archeology has advanced so far with the aid of new techniques and tools.

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    1. It has. I am excited to see what Nighean Dhonn, our youngest, learns as archaeology is her major. There is so much we still do not know and, as an author pointed out specifically on Anglo-Saxon studies but really for everything, our likelihood of learning via newly discovered ancient texts is likely minimal. Archaeology and genetic studies are the new avenues of exploration.

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  2. The production of such exquisite crafts is fascinating. Much more sophisticated than the mass produced plastic stuff manufacturers are so proud of nowadays.

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    1. Craftsmanship is almost a dead word now. Our society demands low cost goods rather than high value goods. It is a shame, really, as we lose out on these sorts of amazing treasures.

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  3. Nylon129:51 AM

    Niiiice, more photos! More proof to that saying...."It's good to be king".

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    1. Nylon12, it is apparent he did not suffer from want, that is certain.

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  4. It might just be proportions and perspective but that bed looks like it would have been high enough to require a short ladder to get in and out of... or he had rails around him to keep him from falling out, one of the two.

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    1. Ed, I think it might be the perspective. From what I can recall, it was displayed as a rather low object.

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  5. Wonderful displays! +1 with Leigh and you.
    You all be safe and God bless.

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    1. Linda, they were quite unique to my experience - and agreed, quite wonderful. We are fortunate they remained undisturbed all these years.

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