Greek Archeologists Discover Golden Treasure
Archeologists discovered a golden wreath in an ancient city in the northern parts of Greece. The wreath - which is being described as ‘priceless’ was buried among human bones in a large copper vase. When first discovered workers believed it to be a land mine.
The University of Thessaloniki stated that the “astonishing” discovery was made during its excavations this week in the ruins of ancient Aigai. The city was the first capital of ancient Macedonia, where King Philip II — father of Alexander the Great — was assassinated.
Gold wreaths are in fact very rare and were often buried with royalty or nobles in ancient times. Yet, this find is unique and a bit of a mystery because it seems that the artifact was taken from the grave during the ancient time and reburied near the theatre and in the cities marketplace. Close to the place were Philip was stabbed to death. The reason for the move is unknown.
“This happened quite soon after the original burial; it’s not that a grave robber took it centuries later and hid it with the intention of coming back,” excavator Chryssoula Saatsoglou-Paliadeli told The Associated Press. “It probably belonged to a high-ranking person.”
The “impressively large” copper vessel contained a cylindrical golden jar with a lid, with the gold wreath of oak leaves and the bones inside. “The young workman who saw it was astounded and shouted ‘land mine!’” the university statement said. Saatsoglou-Paliadeli, a professor of archaeology at the university, said the find probably dates to the 4th century B.C., during which Philip and Alexander reigned.
“Archaeologists must explain why such a group … was found outside the extensive royal cemetery,” the university statement said. “(They must also) work out why the bones of the unknown — but by no means insignificant — person were hidden in the city’s most public and sacred area.”