Vergina Sun

The Vergina Sun — also known as the Star of Vergina, Macedonian star, or Argead Star — is the name given to a symbol of a stylised star or sun with sixteen rays. It was unearthed in 1977 during excavations in Vergina, in the northern Greek region of Macedonia, by archaeologist Manolis Andronikos. He discovered it on a golden larnax in the tombs of the kings of the ancient kingdom of Macedon.

Manolis Andronikos described the symbol variously as a "star", a "starburst" or as a "sunburst". He proposed that the larnax on which it appears might have belonged to King Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. Recent osteological analyses have revealed that the tomb belongs to Alexander the Great's half-brother, Philip III Arrhidaeus. The larnax is on display at the archaeological museum in Vergina, where it was found. Another version of the Vergina Sun, with 12 rays, was found on the larnax of the occupant's wife, entombed in the antechamber, identified as Eurydice II of Macedon.

Since its rediscovery, it has taken on a new function as a political symbol associated with modern Macedonia, and has become the object of political conflict between Greece, Cyprus and the neighbouring Republic of Macedonia. Republic of Macedonia used it on its national flag between 1991 and 1995, when it agreed to change its flag under Greek pressure. Greece regards it as an official national symbol and has asserted an exclusive right to its official use.