1161
New product
Greek Key/Meander Necklace With Macedonia Star/Sun/Starburst Coin, Large Size
The Macedonian 'sun' or 'star' (has also been described as a 'starburst' by historians) was found embossed on the solid gold larnax in the burial tomb of Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) outside the town of Vergina in Northern Greece. The sun which remains today a well known Greek symbol was an emblem of the mighty Macedonian dynasty and possibly a religious symbol at the time of Alexander the Great. The excavations in Vergina constitute a sensational archaeological site, while the larnaca itself is today kept in a museum very close by.
Completely hand made
The Greek key pattern (also meander or meandros) takes its name from the square pieces that repeat in the pattern that look rather like an old fashioned key. The pattern is also known as a meander or a Greek fret. Meander means twisting and turning.
Meanders were among the most important symbols in ancient Greece; they, perhaps, symbolized infinity and unity; many ancient Greek temples incorporated the sign of the meander. Greek vases, especially during their Geometric Period, were likely the genesis for the widespread use of meanders; alternately, very ocean-like patterns of waves also appeared in the same format as meandros, which can also be thought of as the Guilloche pattern. The shield of Philip II of Macedon was decorated with multiple symbols of the meander; the shield itself can be found in the museum of Vergina in Central Macedonia of Greece.
Article group | Necklaces |
Gender | For Her |
Depiction | Vergina sun/starburst |
Historic Period | Era: Hellenistic |
Material | Solid Sterling Silver |
Inner (coin) diameter | 21mm (53⁄64in) |
Necklace size | Standard female - length 39 cm - 40 cm (1 and 7⁄32 inches - 1 and 37⁄64 inches) - fits most ladies |