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5 Sites in Greece Connected to Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great, a Macedonian emperor in the 4th century B.C., is one of history’s most influential figures. Son of King Philip II and educated by Aristotle, Alexander became king at 20 after his father’s assassination. He quickly proved his leadership by quelling rebellions and conquering Thebes, beginning his series of successful military campaigns. His conquests extended from Greece to Egypt, Persia, and as far as India. Alexander defeated King Darius III of Persia and declared himself “King of Asia.” Known for his strategic brilliance and undefeated record in battle, he respected local customs and power structures, helping maintain stability in his newly conquered territories. Alexander’s final resting place is believed to be in Alexandria, Egypt,

There are Several sites on our tours to Greece that are closely related to Alexander the Great and his legacy. These sites are integral to understanding Alexander’s life, legacy, and his role in shaping Greece’s historical and cultural heritage.

Here are some of the most significant:

  1. Pella (Macedonia)
    • The Birthplace of Alexander the Great: Pella, the capital of ancient Macedon, is where Alexander was born in 356 B.C. Today, visitors can explore the archaeological site, which includes the remains of the ancient palace, mosaics, and the ruins of the city that played a key role in Alexander’s early life and upbringing.
  2. Vergina (Aigai)
    • The Royal Tombs of the Macedonian Kings: Located near modern-day Vergina, the ancient city of Aigai was the first capital of Macedon and the burial site of King Philip II, Alexander’s father. The tombs here are incredibly important, as they include the royal tomb of Philip II, and it is widely believed that Alexander’s mother, Olympias, and possibly Alexander himself were associated with the area.
  3. Thessaloniki
    • The Monument to Alexander the Great: In Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, a bronze equestrian statue of Alexander stands near the White Tower. This impressive monument commemorates his legacy and depicts him riding his famous horse, Bucephalus, symbolizing his conquests and vision for expansion. The city is also home to the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, which displays artifacts from the Macedonian period.
  4. The Battle of Issus Relief (Thessaloniki)
    • A relief depicting the famous Battle of Issus (333 B.C.) where Alexander defeated King Darius III of Persia can be found in Thessaloniki as part of the monument dedicated to Alexander. This victory was one of the pivotal moments in Alexander’s campaign.
  5. Mount Olympus
    • While not directly tied to Alexander, Mount Olympus, the home of the ancient Greek gods, is symbolic of the Macedonian royal family’s connection to divine legitimacy. Alexander himself was often linked to the gods in myth, with his mother Olympias claiming his divine heritage.

You will visit many of these sites when you take one of our Christian Tours to Greece