Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Sources aren't just written. Here we talk about how archaeology both adds to and challenges what our written source tell us. I discuss some big recent discoveries that have altered our understanding of especially the Argead kingdom before Philip and Alexander. Classical era discoveries are mentioned, but the focus is on the Archaic age. This is by no means comprehensive; I simply want to give folks some idea of how important archaeology can be.
Areas/digs mentioned include: Aigai, Archontiko, Agia Paraskevi, Sindos; Aiani; Tribenishte, Gorna Porta; Methone, Pydna, Chalkidiki (Chalcidice); Pella, Dion, Beroia, Lefkadia-Mieza.
Scholars: for Archontiko, Vivi Saripanidi (researchgate.net/profile/Vivi-Saripanidi). For Methone, Yannis Tzifopoulos, Matthaios Bessios, and colleagues (https://www.academia.edu/34596967/Tzifopoulos_Y_M_Bessios_and_A_Kotsonas_2017_Panhellenes_at_Methone_Pieria_ca_700_BCE_New_inscriptions_graffiti_dipinti_and_trade_marks_In_C_Morgan_and_X_Charalambidou_eds_Interpreting_the_Seventh_Century_BC_Tradition_and_Innovation_Athens_British_School_at_Athens_364_374), also the UCLA research team (separate).
Some sites with more info/images (this is just some of them!):
The Warriors of Archontiko
petersommer.com/blog/another-thing/archontiko-macedonia
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
https://www.amth.gr/en
Aigai: the Royal Metropolis of Macedon
https://www.aigai.gr/en
Kingdom of Macedon - The Palace of Pella
https://www.palaceofpella.gr/archaeological-museum-of-pella/?lang=en
Ancient Mieza & Aristotle's School
https://visit-centralmacedonia.gr/en/mieza
Archaeological Museum of Aiani
https://www.mouseioaianis.gr/en/#myGallery1-picture(2)
Archaeological Museum of Ioannina
https://archaeologicalmuseums.gr/en/museum/5df34af3deca5e2d79e8c125/archaeological-museum-of-ioannina
Archaeological Museum of Florina
https://archaeologicalmuseums.gr/en/museum/5df34af3deca5e2d79e8c1b2/archaeological-museum-of-florina
Sources aren't just written. Here we talk about how archaeology both adds to and challenges what our written source tell us. I discuss some big recent discoveries that have altered our understanding of especially the Argead kingdom before Philip and Alexander. Classical era discoveries are mentioned, but the focus is on the Archaic age. This is by no means comprehensive; I simply want to give folks some idea of how important archaeology can be.
Areas/digs mentioned include: Aigai, Archontiko, Agia Paraskevi, Sindos; Aiani; Tribenishte, Gorna Porta; Methone, Pydna, Chalkidiki (Chalcidice); Pella, Dion, Beroia, Lefkadia-Mieza.
Scholars: for Archontiko, Vivi Saripanidi (researchgate.net/profile/Vivi-Saripanidi). For Methone, Yannis Tzifopoulos, Matthaios Bessios, and colleagues (https://www.academia.edu/34596967/Tzifopoulos_Y_M_Bessios_and_A_Kotsonas_2017_Panhellenes_at_Methone_Pieria_ca_700_BCE_New_inscriptions_graffiti_dipinti_and_trade_marks_In_C_Morgan_and_X_Charalambidou_eds_Interpreting_the_Seventh_Century_BC_Tradition_and_Innovation_Athens_British_School_at_Athens_364_374), also the UCLA research team (separate).
Some sites with more info/images (this is just some of them!):
The Warriors of Archontiko
petersommer.com/blog/another-thing/archontiko-macedonia
Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
https://www.amth.gr/en
Aigai: the Royal Metropolis of Macedon
https://www.aigai.gr/en
Kingdom of Macedon - The Palace of Pella
https://www.palaceofpella.gr/archaeological-museum-of-pella/?lang=en
Ancient Mieza & Aristotle's School
https://visit-centralmacedonia.gr/en/mieza
Archaeological Museum of Aiani
https://www.mouseioaianis.gr/en/#myGallery1-picture(2)
Archaeological Museum of Ioannina
https://archaeologicalmuseums.gr/en/museum/5df34af3deca5e2d79e8c125/archaeological-museum-of-ioannina
Archaeological Museum of Florina
https://archaeologicalmuseums.gr/en/museum/5df34af3deca5e2d79e8c1b2/archaeological-museum-of-florina
