Pella, Greece, the ancient capital of Macedon and birthplace of Alexander the Great, declined after Roman conquest, was destroyed by earthquake, abandoned in medieval times, and later excavated as archaeological site, with modern village of Pella nearby preserving its name. Ancient Pella flourished from 399 BCE as capital under King Archelaus I, reaching peak under Philip II and Alexander the Great in 4th century BCE as political and cultural center with grand palaces, agora, and famous pebble mosaics, including the Stag Hunt mosaic. After Alexander's death and during wars of successors, Pella remained important but declined. In 168 BCE, Romans defeated Macedon at Battle of Pydna, and Pella became part of Roman province of Macedonia, losing capital status to Thessalonica, which Romans made new capital, causing Pella to lose administrative importance. In 1st century BCE, Pella was sacked and suffered earthquake around 90 BCE, causing major damage, and Roman colony was established there but never regained former glory, with population shifting to Thessalonica. By Byzantine and medieval times, Pella was largely abandoned, with marshes forming, and a small village called Agii Apostoli existed nearby, renamed Pella in 1926 after Greek refugees from Asia Minor settled. Systematic archaeological excavations began in 1957, uncovering palace complex, agora, houses, and stunning mosaics, now protected as archaeological park with museum displaying artifacts. So Pella declined after Roman conquest, was damaged by earthquake, abandoned, and became archaeological site with modern village nearby.
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