The year 2014 is proving a fascinating year for Greek archaeology. It seems that Amphipolis is not the only site which brings secrets to the surface. Other findings which have seen the light over the past few months deserve equal attention.

Following special scientific research conducted on the bones found inside the tomb of Macedonian King Philip II, (father of Alexander the Great) archaeologists discovered a burial mask which Philip II wore as chief priest in the Orphic mysteries. Orpheus was a mythical poet who descended into Hades and his mysteries promised advantages in the afterlife.

The pieces of cloth were already known to archaeologists, but it is the latest research that proves that the cloth was part of a complex, multi-layered delicate mechanism with a special religious meaning rather than a regular piece of cloth with which, the bodies were wrapped before cremation.

Moreover, the research conducted is highly important because it settles another score among archaeologists, since some have argued that the resident of that particular tomb in Vergina (the burial site of the kings of Macedon), may not have been Philip II. The research verifies he was indeed buried there, as it was first stated by Manolis Andronicos in 1977, when he discovered the tomb. Philip II was 41-49 years old and had suffered from sinusitis. He was a frequent rider and wounded in his left arm. It is also known that he had lost his right eye to an arrow during a siege.

Greek News Agenda: Andronikos had it right?