Alexander the Great

Few figures in history have left a legacy of such unparalleled achievements as Alexander the Great. This catalogue sheds light on the legend of Alexander the Great and explores the historical and cultural context of this celebrated figure in Greek history. During his reign, Alexander united the warring City States of Greece, conquered the Persian Empire, and expanded the reign of his empire to the borders of India. While the exhibition included depictions of Alexander, it also painted a vivid portrait of Macedonian life through ancient artifacts of the time. Unique to this catalogue is full illustration and commentary on a collection of rare and precious artifacts recently excavated in Vergina from the tomb of an ancient queen known as "The Lady of Aigai". These finds - including gold plates, golden fibulae, an ornate set of matching gold jewelry, and decorations from a dress - attest to the elegant and lavish lifestyle of the ancient Macedonian noblewomen. Contributors to the exhibition catalogue include, in addition to the curator, Frank L. Holt, Professor of History, University of Houston; Polyxeni Adam-Veleni, Director, 27th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Hellenic Ministry of Culture; Angeliki Kottaridi, Archaeologist, 17th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Hellenic Ministry of Culture; Maria Lilibaki-Akamati, Director, 17th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Hellenic Ministry of Culture; Eleni Trakosopoulou, Director, 16th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Hellenic Ministry of Culture; and Maria Tsimibidou-Avloniti, Archaeologist, 16th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Hellenic Ministry of Culture.