Aigai

Aigai is an ancient royal city near modern Vergina that spreads across hundreds of acres with palaces, temples, theaters, and royal burial chambers. The site reveals how Macedonian rulers designed their capital with both practical and ceremonial spaces.

Founded as Macedon's first capital in the 7th century BC, the city grew in power under Philip II who transformed the kingdom into a major force. The site remained important until Roman conquest ended Macedonian independence.

The site served as the ceremonial heart of Macedonian power, where kings conducted religious rituals and state affairs among temples and palaces. The people who walked these streets shaped how later Greek cities were built and organized.

Wear good walking shoes because the terrain is uneven and you will move between different sections of the site on foot. An on-site museum provides shelter and displays the main artifacts from the excavations.

The tomb of King Philip II was found completely undisturbed in 1977, containing thousands of objects in perfect condition inside the burial chamber. This discovery ranks among the most important archaeological finds of the modern era and revealed details about royal life never seen before.

Location: Veria Municipality

Inception: 750 BCE

Website: https://aigai.gr

GPS coordinates: 40.47797,22.32276

Latest update: December 11, 2025 22:17