Ancient Macedonian, whether it was a Greek dialect probably of the Northwestern Doric group in particular, as findings such as Pella curse tablet indicate, or a separate Hellenic language, was gradually replaced by Attic Greek the latter came in use from the times of Philip II of Macedon and later evolved into Koine Greek. In the partition of Alexander's empire among the Diadochi, Macedonia fell to the Antipatrid dynasty, which was overthrown by the Antigonid dynasty after only a few years, in 294 BC.

Although the empire fractured into multiple Hellenic regimes shortly after his death, his conquests left a lasting legacy, not least in the new Greek-speaking cities founded across Persia's western territories, heralding the Hellenistic period. Alexander's adoption of the styles of government of the conquered territories was accompanied by the spread of Greek culture and learning through his vast empire. Philip's son, Alexander the Great (356–323 BC), managed to briefly extend Macedonian power not only over the central Greek city-states, but also over the entire Persian empire which he toppled, including Egypt, and later went on towards lands as far east as the fringes of India today Pakistan. The rise of Macedon, from a small kingdom at the periphery of Classical Greek affairs, to one which came to dominate the entire Hellenic world, occurred under the reign of Philip II. Greek populations have inhabited the region of Macedonia since ancient times. See also: Ancient Macedonians, Macedonia (ancient kingdom), History of Macedonia (ancient kingdom), and Byzantine Greeks

Macdown greek