The government of ancient Macedonia was first established sometime during the 8th–5th centuries BC. Little is known of its institutions before the reign of Philip II (depicted), from 359 to 336 BC. Administration evolved in complexity under his successor Alexander the Great and subsequent dynasties. It is unclear if a constitution was formally established. The king (basileus) served as the head of state, assisted by his noble companions and royal pages. Kings served as chief judges and high priests of the nation, using their wealth to sponsor religious cults and to fund the armed forces. They controlled the exploitation of gold and timber. The right to mint coins was shared by the central and some local governments. The kings were the commanders- in-chief of the armed forces and commonly led their troops into battle. The ancient Macedonian army held some of the functions of a popular assembly and had some authority over the royal succession. In 167 BC the Macedonian monarchy was abolished and replaced by four Roman client states.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_of_Macedonia_%28ancient_kingdom%29

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1944:

World War II: The Japanese Take Ichi convoy arrived at Halmahera in the Dutch East Indies after losing many ships and thousands of troops to Allied attacks while attempting to carry two divisions of troops from China to New Guinea. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Take_Ichi_convoy

1977:

The Hotel Polen in Amsterdam was destroyed by fire, leaving 33 people dead. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Polen_fire

1980:

Part of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida collapsed after a pier was struck by the MV Summit Venture, killing 35 people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Skyway_Bridge

2001:

Police at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra, Ghana, fired tear gas to quell unrest at a football match, leading to a stampede that killed 126 people. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accra_Sports_Stadium_disaster

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

terebrant: 1. (entomology) Of an insect: that bores (“makes holes”); specifically, belonging to the Terebrantia suborder of thrips which bore using their ovipositors. 2. (entomology) An insect that bores (“makes holes”); a borer; specifically, one belonging to the Terebrantia suborder of thrips which bore using their ovipositors. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/terebrant

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

We never understand how little we need in this world until we know the loss of it.   --J. M. Barrie https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/J._M._Barrie