Greece Reopened The Ancient Palace of Aigai Where Alexander Was Crowned

 Greece Reopened The Ancient Palace of Aigai Where Alexander Was Crowned

Greece has recently reopened the ancient Palace of Aigai, a historic site where Alexander the Great was crowned as the King of Macedonia around 2,400 years ago. The restoration of this significant landmark, formally known as the Royal Metropolis of the Macedonians, has been completed, allowing visitors to explore its rich historical and cultural legacy.

The Palace of Aigai, situated in classical Greece, holds historical prominence as the largest building of its kind, covering an extensive area of approximately 15,000 square meters, as highlighted by the Greek Cultural Ministry. Constructed mainly during the 4th century BCE by Alexander the Great's father, Philip II of Macedonia, the palace played a crucial role in the region's history.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, speaking at the opening ceremony on Friday, emphasized the palace's significance as the place where Alexander the Great was crowned shortly after his father's assassination, marking the beginning of his remarkable campaign. Alexander's conquests spanned a vast territory from Greece to Egypt, and Iran, and extended as far as northern India and central Asia. His rule marked the Hellenistic period in Western history, laying the foundation for Greek influence in the eastern Mediterranean for the next millennium.

The Palace of Aigai faced destruction by the Romans in 148 BCE and subsequent looting over the centuries. The extensive restoration project, spanning 16 years and costing over 20 million euros ($21.9 million), involved collaboration between the Greek government and the European Union.

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Prime Minister Mitsotakis stressed the global importance and international scope of the event, highlighting the responsibility of preserving and promoting such cultural heritage. 

The restoration efforts included excavations, documentation, and conservation of discovered artifacts. The government focused on restoring 1,400 square meters of mosaics, marble flooring, and some columns while maintaining the general appearance of the ruins.

Mitsotakis expressed the transcendent value of such monuments, considering them the shared heritage of humanity. As custodian of this cultural legacy, he emphasized the obligation to protect, highlight, and promote it, expanding the horizons revealed by each new facet.

The reopening of the Palace of Aigai stands as a testament to Greece's commitment to preserving its historical treasures and sharing them with the world.