It's Not Greek

Starting from Middle School world history, American youth are taught about how Alexander the Great forged the Greek empire. Ironically, many Americans have never heard of the country which actually formed this territory.
The main square of Skopje in the Republic of Macedonia features a large statue of Alexander the Great, who built his empire after his father, Phillip II of Macedonia essentially conquered Hellenistic Greece.
While forging one of the largest empires in history isn’t a bad track record, the size and influence of Macedonia has had nowhere to go but down since that time. In the late 19th century Greece annexed the southern section of Macedonia and summarily decided that their section of Macedonia was the only legitimate one. Since Macedonia declared independence, this has lead to some disputes between the two countries. First of all Greece strenuously objects to the face that the Macedonians actually dare to call their country Macedonia. Even though the Macedonians agreed to adopt the official name ‘"the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia," the Greeks still demand that the Macedonians cease continuing to describe themselves as such.

The original flag of Macedonia was a 16 pointed sun, of the type used by the ainchant empire. The Greek reaction was so strong (Greece actually levied a trade embargo against Macedonia over this) that the Macedonians eventually changed their flag and money.
In practice none of greece’s complaints have deterred the Macedonians. The old flag is still widely flown from homes kiosks and private boats, and the country is refered to simply as “ the republic of Macedonia, even on the money.
While the amount of arguing over something as simple as a name may seem out of proportion. Given the history of the two countries it make complete since. By demanding to be recognized simply as Macedonia, the people of that republic demand that their territory and role in history be recognize. However, in recognizing this fact Greece would be forced to publically admit that greek Macedonia is not originally Greek. This would also imply that Greece’s role in aiinchant history was somewhat more minor than they currently claim.

Before coming to the country of Macedonia I was somewhat aware of this situation. When my Classiscs professor gave a lecture about the Greek empire, I raised the question of the nationality of it’s King. After a few seconds of science my professor began to respond. His answer to my question was a long explanation which essentially amounted to “Alexander was Greek. Well, not really Greek, but close enough.” This confused response illustrates how the fact of Macedonian identity has yet to be widely recognized in the Western world.