Understanding the Bones: The Human Skeletal Remains from Tombs I, II and III at Vergina

Abstract

This thesis presents an examination of the publications about the human remains from Tombs I, II, and III at Vergina. An overview of the controversy surrounding this topic presents a starting point, an explains why the bones have become so contentious. Since most arguments about identity propose Philip II or his son Arrhidaios, I have examined the historical context of both their murders and burials, and those of their wives Kleopatra and Adea-Eurydike. I asses whether it is possible to identify the occupants of these tombs from osteological evidence alone, as most current scholarship asserts. Special emphasis has been given to the skeletal remains from Tomb II, to determine if either Philip II or Arrhidaios can be confirmed as the occupant of the main chamber. Anatomical analysis of Philip II's known battle injuries finds that proof of identity cannot be reached through examination of the remains alone.