Thessaly

Thessaly, northeast region of Greece in which Mount Olympus of ancient Greek legend is located. This region was the home of the legendary Achilles, hero of the Trojan War, and Jason, head of the Argonauts. Lack of cooperation among its own people kept Thessaly weak militarily. It was conquered (344 B.C.) by Philip of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great. Later rulers included the Romans (146 B.C.), the Turks (1355), and the Greeks (1878). In ancient times, Pherae, Crannon, and Larisa were its major cities. Today, its major cities are Volos and Larisa.

See also: Greece.