Greece recently reopened the ancient Palace of Aigai, a site of great historical importance where Alexander the Great was crowned King of Macedonia around 2,400 years ago. The palace, also known as the Royal Metropolis of the Macedonians, had been closed for an extended period for restoration.
Constructed primarily in the 4th century BCE by Philip II of Macedonia, the father of Alexander the Great, the palace witnessed pivotal moments in history, including Alexander’s ascent to the throne following his father’s assassination. Covering an expansive area of approximately 15,000 sq m, the palace holds significant cultural value in classical Greece.
During the reopening ceremony attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he highlighted the crucial role the palace played in initiating Alexander’s extraordinary campaign. Alexander’s conquests extended across regions such as Greece, Iran, Egypt, northern India, and central Asia, marking the beginning of the Hellenistic period.
Despite facing destruction by the Romans in 148 BCE and subsequent looting, the Palace of Aigai underwent a meticulous 16-year restoration effort by the Greek Government, supported by the European Union and an investment exceeding 20 million euros, according to the Greek Cultural Ministry.
The restoration project involved excavation, documentation, and conservation of artifacts, along with refurbishing 1,400 sq m of mosaics, marble flooring, and columns while preserving the overall appearance of the ruins. Prime Minister Mitsotakis acknowledged the global importance of the restoration, emphasizing its international significance.
Mitsotakis emphasized the universal value of such monuments, stating that they transcend local boundaries to become part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage. He stressed the custodians’ responsibility to protect, promote, and unveil the horizons revealed by these historical sites.
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