Getting to Know Worldwide Archeologists Part 2

In this article, you will learn about archeologists Leslie Alcock, Manolis Andronikos, and Ekrem Akurgal and their contributions to the field , one of which was lucky enough to find the tomb of Philip II of Macedon completely undisturbed.

Leslie Alcock (1925 , 2006)

This former Professor of Archaeology at the University of Glasgow was once one of the best in the business when it came to excavating artifacts and unlocking the past of Dark Age Britain. Some of his major finds included Dinas Powys in Wales, South Cadbury in Somerset, as well as an assortment of major hillforts situated in Scotland.
Manolis Andronikos (1919 ,1992)

Born in Bursa, the family of Manolis Andronikos moved to Thessaloniki, which would later play an important role in his education. This Greek archeologist was also a professor of Classical Archeology at the Aristotle University of Thessalonki after studying philosophy at the University of Athens. His educational journey also took him to study at Oxford University, where he met with Sir John D Beazley (between 1954 and 1955), who was well known at the time.

Throughout his career as an archeologist, Manolis Andronikos completed research in Veroia, Naousa, Kilkis, Chalkidiki and Thessaloniki. However, most of his work was done in Vergina, where one of the best accomplishments in his life took place. On November 8th, 1977, he made headlines with a significant discovery , hailed as one of the best of the 20th century.

Andronikos uncovered the tomb of Philip II of Macedon here, which was undisturbed. Inside, a great deal of priceless items was found , the Golden Larnax being one of them. Later, the artifacts of the tomb were put on display in a traveling exhibit called “The Search for Alexander.” Four cities in the United States were privileged to experience the finds between 1980 and 1982.

3 Facts

1) Andronikos was married to Olympia Kakoulidou.

2) He loved to read poetry. Some of his favorites were Elitis, Seferis, and Palamas.

3) He founded a cultural group called “The Art.”

Ekrem Akurgal (1911 , 2002)

In the world of Turkish archeologists, Ekrem Akurgal gained a reputation as a prominent member of the field , known all over the world. As an archaeologist, he devoted more than 50 years of his life to the field and conducted deep research at many different sites located along the western coast of Anatolia , such as Phokaia, Pitane, Erythrai, and old Smyrna.

3 Facts

1) Akurgal graduated in 1931 from the Istanbul High School for Boys. He earned a state scholarship and attended the University of Berlin in Germany , studying archeology.

2) Akural wrote the following publications: “Ancient Civilisations and Ruins of Turkey,” which was 518 pages long and “The Hattian and Hittite Civilizations,” which was 300 pages long.

3) After his passing in 2002, his wife Meral Akurgal carried on his legacy. She was an accomplished archeologist that served as his closest assistance throughout his lifetime.