Mieza identified as school where Aristotle taught Alexander the Great

Archaeologists in northern Greece have identified the ancient Macedonian site of Mieza as the school where the philosopher Aristotle educated a young Alexander the Great. Led by archaeologist Angeliki Kottaridi, the excavations in the Emathia region have uncovered a complex spanning approximately three hectares.

The site, believed to have been founded by King Philip II, functioned as an elite academy for the children of prominent Macedonians. It featured banquet halls, a sports pavilion, an athletics stadium, a covered running track, and classrooms equipped with stone desks. Discoveries at the site include coins, ceramics, and four ancient styluses used for writing.

According to historical accounts by Plutarch, Alexander studied under Aristotle between the ages of 13 and 16, receiving instruction in ethics, politics, literature, and natural sciences. The academy prepared students for leadership and warfare through lessons in tactics and strategy alongside physical training.