Macedonia (ancient kingdom)

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Kingdom of Macedonia Μακεδονία
808 BC–168 BC
The Kingdom of Macedonia at its greatest extent The Kingdom of Macedonia at its greatest extent
Status	Kingdom
Capital	Aigai, later Pella
Common languages	Ancient Greek
Religion	Ancient Greek religion
Government	Monarchy
King
• 808–778 BC	Perdiccas I
• 179–168 BC	Perseus
Historical era	Classical antiquity
• Establishment	808 BC
• Roman conquest	168 BC
Currency	Greek drachma
ISO 3166 code	[[ISO 3166-2:MK |MK ]]
Preceded by Succeeded by Argead dynasty Roman Republic

The Kingdom of Macedonia (Ancient Greek: Μακεδονία ) was an ancient kingdom located in the northern Greek peninsula. It was established around 808 BC and lasted until 168 BC when it was conquered by the Roman Republic. The kingdom was known for its powerful military and its most famous ruler, Alexander the Great, who created one of the largest empires in ancient history.

History

Early History

The early history of Macedonia is shrouded in legend. According to tradition, the kingdom was founded by Perdiccas I of the Argead dynasty. The early Macedonian state was relatively small and weak compared to the powerful city-states of southern Greece.

Rise to Power

Macedonia began to rise to prominence under the rule of Philip II (359–336 BC). Philip reformed the Macedonian army, introducing the phalanx formation, and expanded the kingdom's territory through both diplomacy and military conquest. His most significant achievement was the unification of most of the Greek city-states under Macedonian hegemony, which he accomplished through the League of Corinth.

Alexander the Great

Philip II's son, Alexander the Great, succeeded him in 336 BC. Alexander is one of history's most celebrated military leaders. He launched a campaign against the Achaemenid Empire and, within a decade, had created an empire that stretched from Greece to India. Alexander's conquests spread Greek culture and influence throughout the known world, a period known as the Hellenistic period.

Hellenistic Period

After Alexander's death in 323 BC, his empire was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. Macedonia itself became a battleground for control among these successors. Despite internal strife, the kingdom remained a significant power in the Hellenistic world until it was eventually conquered by the Roman Republic in 168 BC after the Battle of Pydna.

Culture

Macedonian culture was heavily influenced by Greek culture. The Macedonians spoke a dialect of Ancient Greek and worshipped the same gods as the southern Greeks. The kingdom was also known for its contributions to Greek art, philosophy, and science.

Economy

The economy of ancient Macedonia was based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of wheat, barley, and olives. The kingdom also had rich natural resources, including timber and silver mines, which contributed to its wealth and power.

Military

The Macedonian army was one of the most formidable military forces of the ancient world. The core of the army was the phalanx, a formation of heavily armed infantry soldiers. The Macedonian cavalry, known as the Companion cavalry, was also highly effective and played a crucial role in Alexander the Great's conquests.

Legacy

The legacy of the Kingdom of Macedonia is profound. The conquests of Alexander the Great spread Greek culture and ideas throughout the ancient world, laying the foundations for the Hellenistic civilization. The kingdom's military innovations influenced warfare for centuries.

Related Pages

• Alexander the Great
• Philip II of Macedon
• Hellenistic period
• Battle of Pydna
• League of Corinth
• Diadochi
• Ancient Greek religion
• Ancient Greek art