Macedon.
Alexander the Great was from the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon (or Macedonia). This kingdom was located in the northern part of the Greek peninsula, just north of Thessaly and south of Thrace. Although Macedon was considered somewhat on the periphery of the classical Greek world, it played a crucial role in Greek history, especially during and after Alexander’s reign.
Macedon was originally a small and relatively minor kingdom compared to the great city-states of Athens, Sparta, and Thebes. However, under the rule of Alexander’s father, King Philip II, Macedon rose to unprecedented power and influence. Philip II reformed the Macedonian army, introducing the famous Macedonian phalanx, which used long spears (sarissas) and tight formations. This military innovation allowed Macedon to dominate the Greek city-states and unite them under his leadership through a combination of diplomacy, warfare, and political marriages.
Alexander inherited the throne of Macedon in 336 BCE after the assassination of his father. Already well-educated (having been tutored by the philosopher Aristotle) and trained as a military leader, Alexander quickly consolidated his power. He then embarked on his famous campaigns of conquest, which took him across Asia Minor, Egypt, Persia, and into India. His conquests created one of the largest empires in history and spread Greek culture throughout the known world, a period later referred to as the Hellenistic Age.
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