Macedon

Macedon was an ancient kingdom in northern Greece that, under Philip II and Alexander the Great, rose to dominate Greece and conquer the Persian Empire.

Key Takeaways

• Macedon rose from a frontier kingdom to a great power under Philip II.
• Alexander the Great used the Macedonian army to conquer the Persian Empire.
• Its conquests launched the Hellenistic age.

Once seen as a frontier kingdom, Macedon was transformed by Philip II's military reforms and Alexander the Great's conquests into the launchpad of the largest empire of the ancient world.

Macedon began as a kingdom on the northern fringe of the Greek world, but under Philip II its reformed army made it the dominant power in Greece.

His son, Alexander the Great, led that army east to topple the Persian Empire, transforming Macedon into the springboard for the Hellenistic age.

Key Achievements

• Developed the Macedonian phalanx and combined-arms warfare.
• Conquered the Achaemenid Persian Empire under Alexander.

Notable Figures of Macedon

Alexander the Great

96

Military Leader · 356 BC – 323 BC

Alexander the Great was the king of Macedon who built one of the largest empires in history by his early thirties, spreading Greek culture across three continents.

• Conquest of Persia
• The Hellenistic Age

Alexander the Great

96

Military Leader · 356 BC – 323 BC

Alexander the Great was the king of Macedon who built one of the largest empires in history by his early thirties, spreading Greek culture across three continents.

• Conquest of Persia
• The Hellenistic Age

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Macedon known for?

Macedon is known as the kingdom of Philip II and Alexander the Great, whose army conquered the Persian Empire and spread Greek culture across Asia.