The Gold of Macedon

In the Archaeological Museum at Thessaloniki they have an exhibit of artifacts they call the "Gold of Macedon." Much of it comes from tombs associated with the royal family of Macedon, but some of it comes from other parts of Greece and other periods of the past. Above is a detail of a bracelet from the period of the Macdeonian empire.

Myrtle flower wreath, and detail. This artifact was looted, likely in northern Greece, and eventually purchased by the Getty. But the Greek government was able to demolish the alleged provenance, so the Getty gave up and sent it back to Greece. Probably made 350 to 300 BC.

The famous Derveni Krater, excavated from a tomb near Thesaloniki in 1962.It is made of bronze with a high tin content, which makes it look like gold.

Wreath with a depiction of Eros, from a tomb near Thesaloniki, 325 to 300 BC.

Gold pin from Sondos, c. 560 BC.

Gold ornament with a head of Hercules, also from the cemetery at Derveni, c. 300 BC.