Thesaurus

An ancient state, the territory of which is now divided between Greece, Bulgaria, and the Vardar valley of former Yugoslavia (now Makedonija). Colonized by Greece 8th century BCE; ruled by Persia (5th century BCE), Rome (146 BCE) and Byzantium. It was the ancient kingdom of the Macedonians and later became the Roman province of Macedonia. Rome took this area during the Macedonian Wars; under Roman control Macedonia at first (168-146 BCE) formed four independent republics without common bonds. In 146 BCE it became a Roman province with the four sections as administrative units. It was divided into the provinces of Macedonia and Macedonia Secunda ca. 400 CE, within the diocese of Moesia. Invaded by Goths and Huns; held by Slavs 6th century CE; ruled by Serbia (14th century), Turks and Greece.