by Lorena Tota

Herodian, a Greek-speaking historian of the third-century Roman Empire, leaves little room for modern confusion. In History of the Empire (VI.2.4–7), he states plainly that after the fall of Darius, Asia was ruled « for many years by the Macedonians and Alexander’s successors. » Not by « the Greeks, » but by the Macedonians. He even speaks of « Alexander the Macedonian », while the Loeb Classical Library index itself still separates « Greek » from « Macedonian » as distinct categories.

Livy is equally explicit. In History of Rome (XXXI.44.4–45.3), the Athenians call for curses against Philip V and « the entire Macedonian race and nation ». A race and a nation, not a regional branch of the Greeks, but a distinct people with their own political and ethnic identity.

Ancient authors were perfectly capable of using the word « Greek » when they meant Greek. Their repeated choice to distinguish Macedonians from Greeks was not accidental. It is modern nationalist reinterpretations, not the ancient sources, that attempt to erase the distinction.