The Ancient Macedonians Were Not Greek! Episode 17

In the ancient world, where empires rose and civilizations clashed, the lines between nations were defined by more than just geographical boundaries. Two of the prominent nations of that time were the Macedonians and the Greeks. While the historical records of these nations may be incomplete, they offer glimpses into the perception of their separate identities.

The Speech of Socrates to Philip II of Macedon

One of the preserved speeches from ancient Greek orator, A Socrates, is known as the "Philippus." In this speech, Socrates appeals to Philip II of Macedon to lead the Greeks in a military action against Persia. It is important to note that Socrates treats the Macedonians and the Greeks as two distinct nations in the speech.

Socrates recounts how people close to him criticized his idea of writing a letter to Philip, arguing that he cannot know Philip's interests and thus cannot offer him advice. Socrates's critic further emphasizes the separation between Macedonians and Greeks by suggesting that if Philip wanted advice, he would have sought it from respected Greeks living in Macedonia, rather than someone like Socrates, who he considers a Greek.

Marcus Velleius Paterculus's Perspective

Marcus Velleius Paterculus, a Roman historian, provides another perspective on the distinction between the Macedonians and the Greeks. His historical work, "Review of the Roman History," mentions the Macedonians as a separate nation and highlights their dominance at the time. In this account, he references the Elder Roman historian, Aemilius Sura, who also acknowledges the Macedonians as a distinct nation.

Paterculus further asserts the division between the Macedonians and the Greeks when he describes the unsuccessful Macedonian Rebellion against Roman rule. He recounts how Perseus, the leader of the rebellion, was defeated and captured, emphasizing the separate identities of the Macedonians and the Greeks.

The Rich Tapestry of Ancient History

While the historical records may be fragmented, these accounts provide compelling evidence that both the Greeks and the Macedonians viewed themselves as distinct nations. This distinction is not merely a modern interpretation but something acknowledged by ancient authors themselves.

The perception of separate identities can be traced back to the times of Socrates and even further to the days of Aemilius Sura. These historical figures provide glimpses into the complexities and nuances of ancient civilizations, reminding us that the ancient world was a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, languages, and ideologies.

Conclusion

In our quest to understand the past, it is essential to explore and appreciate the myriad of perspectives that ancient accounts offer. Through the speeches of Socrates and the writings of Marcus Velleius Paterculus, we gain insights into how the Macedonians and the Greeks were perceived as distinct nations.

The ancient world was a stage where nations interacted, clashed, and influenced each other. By recognizing the separate identities of the Macedonians and the Greeks, we can appreciate the diversity and richness of the human experience in ancient times.

So let us delve deeper into the annals of history, and through the words of ancient thinkers, may we uncover more fascinating tales of nations and their intricate relationship with one another.