Vergina (Aigai), Greece
City:
Vergina
State, Province, Region, or District:
Country:
Greece
Overview
Vergina is a small town in Northern Greece, part of the Veria municipality in Imathia, Central Macedonia. Vergina is best known as the site of ancient Aigai the first capital of Macedon. In 336 BC Philip II was assassinated in Aigai's theatre and his son, Alexander the Great, was proclaimed king. While the resting place of Alexander the Great is unknown, researchers uncovered three tombs at Vergina in 1977 – referred to as tombs I, II and III.
Tomb I contained Philip II, Alexander the Great's father, tomb II belonged to Philip III of Macedon, Alexander the Great's half-brother, while tomb III contained Alexander IV, Alexander the Great's son. Tomb I had been looted; Tombs II and III were intact and contained an array of burial goods. The ancient town was also the site of an extensive royal palace. The archaeological museum of Vergina was built to house all the artifacts found at the site and is one of the most important museums in Greece.
Alternate Names
Vergina, Verghina, Aigai (Ancient Greek: Αἰγαί)
Geography & Location
Vergina (is a small town in northern Greece, located in the Central Macedonia region. More specifically, it's situated in the Imathia regional unit and is part of the Veroia municipality.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Biblical Connection
Biblical & Historical References
Paul traveled through Macedonia, visiting cities like Thessalonica (Thessaloniki) and Berea (Verea), which are also located in the area of Vergina (Acts 17).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
Hades - Home of the Dead
Etymology
The name "Vergina" is derived from a mythical queen who supposedly lived north of the Aliakmon river and had her summer palace (Palatitsa) near the current town. According to some accounts,, she drowned herself in the Barbouta, a river tributary, to avoid capture.
Site Visit
The Royal Tombs of Macedonia are located at Vergina, a short distance from Thessalonica. As one of the finest specialty museums in the world, this site should not be missed. It is a true world-class attraction, rivaling even the treasures of King Tut in the Cairo museum. Frequent local buses from the west bus station (do not confuse it with other bus stations; they do not have connections to Vergina) provide transportation from Thessalonica to Vergina (approximately one hour). Vergina features two sites of interest, the Royal Tombs and the site of the palace, although the first holds much greater attraction for most visitors.
Places of Interest
Royal Tombs