By Ryan Kisiel
It would be more than 100 years at least until Alexander the Great led the forces of Macedonia to conquer the Hellenistic world.
But, even in its early days, the Greek kingdom's warriors were already an imposing sight on the battlefield.
A dig in an ancient burial ground in Alexander's birthplace of Pella, northern Greece, has unearthed the graves of 20 warriors in battle dress, a find which archaeologists say sheds fresh light on the development of Macedonian culture.
Imposing: A bronze helmet with golden facial plates (left) and a copper helmet and gold eye-cover of two ancient warriors were found in a cemetery in Pella
The warriors, whose remains have been dated to the late Archaic period, between 580BC and 460BC, were among 43 graves excavated in the latest dig, with the other bodies ranging from 650BC to 279BC.
Some of the warriors were buried in bronze helmets alongside iron swords and knives.
Their eyes, mouths and chests were covered in gold foil richly decorated with drawings of lions and other animals symbolising royal power.
Gold jewellery was found in a woman's grave at the ancient cemetery
Other finds included gold jewellery and pottery.
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# Posted by Michelle Moran @ |
Saturday, September 13, 2008