Oak leaf gold-plated wreath in frame. We were inspired by this very rare find of the golden oak wreath or necklace, which is probably connected to the royal family of Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. According to archaeologists, it dates back to the Hellenistic years (end of the 4th-beginning of the 3rd century BC). It is intact, has 20 hammered leaves and closes with a "Heracleian sand" clasp (known as Heracles' knot).
The oak was also the sacred tree of Zeus and oak wreaths were often found as burial votive offerings in ancient royal tombs in Macedonia and Asia Minor. Our gift proposal is handmade of 24 carat gold-plated solid brass and bares a great historical heritage.
Dimensions: 27cm x 27cm x 7cm
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The golden oak wreath was discovered by the Greek archaeologist Manolis Andronikos at the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, which consists of two rooms. The wreath was found inside an urn, along with the king's burnt bones. The funeral of Philip II in 336 BC was performed in Aigai. The tomb is located at Vergina, a small town 75 km. southwest of Thessaloniki.
Evidently, the dead king wore the wreath during the cremation and as the fire consumed his body, the wreath underwent some changes, especially at the central part. The crown, which now consists of 313 oak leaves and 68 acorns, is an elaborate artwork, that mimics convincingly the twigs and the acorns of the oak, which was the sacred tree of Zeus. The wreath, which weighted 717 grams, is not only one of the bigger and the heavier golden wreaths that are saved, but also one of the most precious wreaths, which were ever manufactured.
The wreath is displayed at the Museum of Royal Tombs of Aigai, at Vergina.
This new find consists of 20 hammered leaves handmade of gold. It is intact, and closes with a "Heracleian amma" clasp (known as Heracles' knot). "Heraklion amma" is the knot that is often found in antiquity and indicates the connection between life and death through the connection achieved by Hercules between the two worlds and of course the dual character of the hero (demigod).
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