Tomb of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great

A study claims to identify King Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, and determines he was buried in Tomb I, not Tomb II, as previously thought. The tombs were discovered in 1977 in the village of Vergina in northern Greece. Gold caskets were found housing the remains of several people.

Studies were published concerning human remains found in the 24-carat larnax in Tomb II

Philip II was the 18th king of Macedonia (359–336 BC). He gained domination over all Greece, laying the foundation for its expansion under Alexander. Philip II is described as a powerful king with a complicated love life. He married between five and seven women, causing confusion over the line of succession. In 336 BC, Philip II was assassinated at a celebration of his daughter's wedding, perhaps at the behest of his former wife, Olympias. Olympias was the fourth wife of Philip II, and mother of Alexander the Great.

Alexander the Great succeeded his father as king.

The golden larnax and the golden grave crown of Philip

An investigation was launched to analyze more than 350 bones and fragments found in the two golden caskets. The research team utilized X-ray computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence. The skull showed signs of sinusitis, which may have been caused by an old facial trauma, such as the arrow that is known to have hit and blinded Philip II at the siege of Methone in 354 BC. There are signs of chronic pathology on the surface of several ribs, which are believed to be linked to Philip’s trauma when he was struck with a lance around 345 BC.

Alexander the Great in Pompeii mosaic.