Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Gold Wreath

Greek find was removed from original resting place
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 30, 2008 12:00 PM CDT
Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Gold Wreath
This handout image provided by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki shows a gold wreath, probably about 2,300 years gold, in the water-logged vessel.   (AP Photo)

An ancient gold wreath buried with human bones in a copper vase has been discovered in the old stomping grounds of Alexander the Great in northern Greece, AP reports. It's rare to find such wreaths, which were generally buried with royalty. Diggers found it in the ruins of Aigai, the first capital of Macedonia and city where Alexander's father was assassinated.

Archaeologists think the vase and its artifacts were moved from the original grave site, probably a royal cemetery, and reburied in the city's marketplace, but they don't know why. 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." As they do so, the AP notes that the location of Alexander's tomb remains one of archaeology's great mysteries.
(More archaeology stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X