Archeologists working in Athens, Greece have recently alerted the public to the discovery of an elaborate burial site located at the seat of the ancient Macedonian kings situated in northern Greece. At the center of the find, researchers have added to the mystery dating back 2,300 years ago, which touches upon political interests and murder.
The burial site is positioned in the ruins of Aigai, which is located a couple of yards from what an expert believes is the final resting place of the remains of Alexander the Great’s murdered teenage son. Archeologists are at a loss for words because new questions have now emerged. Both sets of remains were buried in an odd manner. They know that while cemeteries were in existence close to the site, the bones were transported from an unknown first resting place and replaced in the center of the city. This act went against ancient principles.
During an interview, an excavator working on the project stated that the bone located this week were hidden inside one of two large silver vessels found in the marketplace of the ancient city. The location of the vessels was nearby the same theater that Alexander’s father, King Philip II, was killed in 336 BC. There is no question that the bones once belonged to a member of Macedonian royalty and were buried at the end of the 4th century BC.
However, it is too soon to accurately pinpoint the identity of the remains. Tests have been conducted to find out whether or not the bones belong to a male or female, as well as the approximate age of the bones. Yet, researchers are crossing their fingers. The good news is that one of the silver vessels found bears a distinct similarity to the one found in a nearby royal tumulus, where archeologists found a grave belonging to Philip II.
In history, Alexander was known as one of the best general. During his battles with cultures, such as the Persian Empire, he was able to conquer a great deal of the known world. He even reached as far as India. Following his passing in 323 BC at the age of 32, the empire he spent his time building, broke apart when his successors engaged in war. During this time, his mother, half brother, wife and both sons were murdered.
With the newfound artifact and bones, researchers hope to uncover the mystery and pinpoint a name. They also have ancient texts that can shed light on the puzzle. The history of Macedonian kings is filled with tales of revenge, violence, and murder. Whoever was not placed in a proper grave received a form of ancient punishment or committed an illegal act.
One expert believes that the bones are that of the illegitimate son of Alexander (Heracles), who was murdered when the wars of succession took place – around 309.