26 OCTOBER 1988
I am delighted that the Greek Prime Minister, Mr Andreas Papandreou, in response to a request from me, has decided that the priceless golden wreath from the Royal Tombs of Vergina will be included in the exhibition of treasures from
Ancient Macedonia to come to Australia.
The exhibition, to be opened by the President of Greece, Mr Sartzetakis, on 24 November at the Museum of Victoria in
Melbourne, is a major contribution to our Bicentenary from
the Government of Greece. I welcome Mr Papandreou's decision which reflects the importance of the friendly
relations between our two countries.
The exhibition of Macedonian antiquities, the largest and
most comprehensive ever to leave Greece, will give thousands
of Australians a rare insight into the culture of Ancient
Macedonia, one of the well-springs of western civilisation.
It covers the rich cultural heritage of Ancient Macedonia
over 4000 years from Neolithic times to the reigns of King
Philip and his son Alexander the Great and the Roman conquest of 197 B. C.
The addition of the golden wreath will give added lustre to this magnificent exhibition and heighten its appeal to scholars, students, and the general public. 296 3