Definition

Proper noun 1. An ancient kingdom in the southeastern Balkans: A historical kingdom, famous as the realm of Philip II and his son Alexander the Great, located in the northeastern part of the Greek peninsula. 2. A historical region: The geographical area corresponding to this ancient kingdom, which today spans parts of several modern nations.

Usage Examples

• As a historical entity:
  • The army of Macedon conquered the Persian Empire under Alexander.
  • Philip II transformed Macedon into a dominant military power.
• Referring to the region:
  • The ancient kingdom of Macedon was located north of classical Greece.
  • Archaeological sites in the region of Macedon reveal a rich history.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical and archaeological contexts to distinguish the ancient kingdom from modern political entities with similar names.
• In classical studies, "Macedon" is frequently discussed in relation to its complex cultural and political relationship with the city-states of ancient Greece.

Variants and Related Words

• Macedonia (n): The more common name for the same ancient kingdom and region; also the name of a modern country in the Balkans. (e.g., ).
• Macedonian (adj): Of or relating to ancient Macedon or its people, culture, or language. (e.g., ).
• Macedonian (n): A person from ancient Macedon; also, a citizen of the modern country of North Macedonia.

Synonyms

• Macedonia (when referring to the ancient kingdom)
• Kingdom of Macedon

Notes on Different Meanings

• The primary meaning refers to the ancient kingdom (c. 7th–2nd centuries BCE).
• It is crucial to distinguish this term from the modern geopolitical context. The territory of ancient Macedon is now divided among the modern regions of Greece (Greek Macedonia), North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and small parts of Albania.

Noun

1. the ancient kingdom of Philip II and Alexander the Great in the southeastern Balkans that is now divided among modern Macedonia and Greece and Bulgaria