EDESSA, the ancient capital of Macedonia (an older name is Aegae), situated 46 m. W. of Thessalonica on a beautiful stream in the centre of the kingdom, commanding the approaches from the coast to the interior. It was the original residence of the Macedonian kings; and after the seat of government was removed by Philip II. to the more accessible Pella, it continued to be the royal burial-place. At the celebration of his daughter's marriage here, Philip II. was murdered by Pausanias in 336 B.C. Though Alexander was buried at Alexandria the bodies of Eurydice and her husband Arrhidaeus were removed by Cassander to the ancestral sepulchre. On the occupation of the town by Pyrrhus the royal tombs were plundered by Gallic mercenaries. Owing to its position commanding the Via Egnatia, the town retained its importance during the Roman and Byzantine periods. For its present condition, see VODENA.