Pella

Pella (pel'u) [key], ancient city of Greek Macedonia, about 24 mi (39 km) NW of Thessalonica (now Thessaloníki). It became the capital of the Macedonian kingdom in the 4th cent. B.C. It prospered under Macedonian rule but declined after the Roman conquest of Macedonia (168 B.C.). Alexander the Great was born at Pella. Modern excavations have revealed a grid pattern of large houses decorated with a variety of mosaics.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

• • Cite
  • Print
  • Email
  • Bookmark
    • Add bookmark
    • Add to del.icio.us
    • Digg It!
    • Add to Reddit