Vergina is a small Greek town in Central Macedonia (nom Imathia). It is located at the foot of mount Pieria, at an altitude of 120 m above sea level, approximately 13 miles from Berea and 85 km from Thessaloniki. In the excavations near Vergina been proven that it is here in ancient times was the first capital of the Macedonian Kingdom – EGI.

The territory of modern Vergina was inhabited since the early bronze age (3rd Millennium BC) and for many centuries has developed rapidly and prospered. The ancient city of aeges played an important role in world history and has become a cult center for the Macedonian state. Despite the fact that in the 4th century BC, the capital of Ancient Macedonia was transferred to Pella, EGI maintained the status of the Holy city and tombs of the Macedonian kings. Probably the reason was the legend, which says that the ruling dynasty will come to an end as soon as one of the kings would be buried outside the city. Maybe it's just coincidence, but after the death of Alexander the Great power really broke up.

The first excavations in the region were initiated by French archaeologists in 1861, in which were found a part of the once majestic Palace complex and an ancient burial ground. For some reason the work was stopped and resumed only partially in 1937, but again abandoned in the early 1940 due to the outbreak of war with Italy. Large-scale archaeological excavations were started already in the 1950-ies.

His worldwide fame city was in 1977, when the famous Greek archaeologist Manolis Andronikos found in the vicinity of Vergina multiple Royal burial, among which a special furor produced a perfectly preserved the famous tomb of Philip II (father of Alexander the great) with lots of unique ancient artifacts. And although most of the tombs looted long ago, a huge interest and the structures themselves, which is a fine example of ancient architecture. Unique and stunning colorful murals that adorn the tomb.

Overall, the archaeological site was discovered many ancient relics that have great historical and artistic value – gorgeous jewelry, various articles of gold and silver, household utensils, ceramics, armor, weapons, and other burial artifacts. But, undoubtedly, the most important discovery of archaeologists is considered the Golden casket, which is believed to contain the remains of Macedonian king Philip II.

The archaeological Museum in Vergina open in 1993, in a way is unique. Razed during the excavation of the burial mound artificially restored, thereby forming a sort of underground bunker, where constantly maintained optimal temperature and humidity, and where you can see ancient burial chamber, and in a special room and these Royal treasures. Part of the relics found during the excavations, kept in the Archaeological Museum in Thessaloniki.

Today Vergina is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, in the world heritage list of UNESCO. On the importance of the ancient Macedonian necropolis practically not inferior to the famous Mycenaean tombs.