Manolis Andronikos (October 23, 1919 – March 30, 1992)

Manolis Andronikos (October 23, 1919 – March 30, 1992)

Born in Prousa in Asia Minor, Andronikos was a Greek archaeologist, most famous for his discovery of the Ancient Macedonian tombs of Vergina.

Following the Greek Genocide (1914-1923) & Asia Minor Catastrophe (1922), a young Andronikos along with his family, fled and moved to Thessaloniki, where the boy finished his schooling. Before enrolling at the University of Thessaloniki.

It was there, where he came into contact with renowned archaeologist and professor, Konstantinos Romaios, which sparked his interest in archaeology. As a student, Andronikos even assisted Romaios during his excavation work in Vergina in the 1930’s.

At the outbreak of WW2, Andronikos enlisted in the Greek Army and did his duty during the conflict.

Following the War, he continued his studies and increased his interest in antiquities and discovery where by 1952, he himself had become a professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Thessaloniki.

He expanded his knowledge by training at Oxford in England. On his return to Greece, he carried out many excavations, specifically throughout Macedonia in the 1950’s and 1960’s, in places such as: Veria, Naousa, Kilkis, Chalkidiki, Thessaloniki, but his main excavation work was concentrated in Vergina.

The highlight of his career occurred in Vergina in November of 1977, when he discovered one of the most important archaeological monuments, the immaculate and not yet plundered Macedonian Tomb, belonging to King Philip II of Macedon.

Inside the tomb, there were numerous finds, including remarkable works of art, treasures, shields and armour, which are all now on display in Vergina for anyone to visit and view. It is one of the most important discoveries of the Ancient Greek world.