Vergina: The Hunting Mural in Philip II's Tomb – A Groundbreaking Depiction of a Masterpiece

The Ministry of Culture, the General Directorate of Antiquities, and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia collaborated with the National Hellenic Research Foundation on the research project "The Hunting Mural from Tomb II in Vergina: An Innovative Interdisciplinary Approach to the Study and Representation of a Classical Antiquity Painting Masterpiece."

A Masterpiece of Classical Painting

The hunting mural, which adorns the frieze of the façade of Philip II’s royal tomb in Aigai, stands as the most significant and largest painting of the classical world ever discovered.

The interdisciplinary ReVis project, led by Dr. Charikleia Brecoulaki, represents the first comprehensive and scientifically documented study of the Aigai mural, employing pioneering, non-invasive diagnostic and imaging techniques.

Advanced Research Techniques and Digital Restoration

The ultimate goal of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of the technique and iconography of the mural while proposing a new digital restoration at its original scale. This restoration is based on archaeometric data collected during the study and incorporates artificial intelligence tools (by visual artist Christos Simatos) and modern artistic techniques (by painter Emmanouil Bitsakis).

Through this groundbreaking research, new insights have emerged regarding ancient pigments, painting techniques, and the imagery of this iconic Aigai mural, as well as monumental Greek painting of the 4th century BCE in general.

Cutting-Edge Scientific Analysis

During the on-site study at the UNESCO-listed Aigai archaeological site in March 2023, researchers utilized non-destructive diagnostic methods such as X-ray fluorescence (MAXRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to examine the mural’s surface. These analyses were conducted by the XRAYlab team from ISPC/CNR in Catania and the Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics at the "Demokritos" National Center for Scientific Research.

Presentation of Findings

The findings of this extensive research will be presented at an international conference, where all participating teams will discuss their contributions. The event will showcase the diagnostic techniques used in the in-situ examination of the mural, as well as the new proposal for its restoration. Distinguished scientists will provide commentary on the proposed digital reconstruction of the hunting scene.

Collaboration and Funding

This project, funded by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (ELIDEK), is being carried out in collaboration with the "Demokritos" National Center for Scientific Research and the Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics, under the leadership of Research Director Dr. Andreas Karydas. The Ephorate of Antiquities of Imathia, represented by Dr. Anastasia Georgiadou, Head of the Department of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities and Museums, is also a key partner.

ReVis has secured access to the advanced technological infrastructure of the European IPERION-HS/MOLAB consortium, further strengthening its research capabilities.