FYROM to Erect Huge Statue of Philip of Macedon; To Be in Skopje and Taller Than Alexander Statue

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) -- which enraged its neighbor Greece last month when it erected an equestrian statue of Alexander the Great in its capital of Skopje -- now plans to erect an even taller statue of Alexander's father, Philip, the Balkan Insight website reports today (July 13, 2011).

Macedonia's capital will have a new 28-meter bronze statue of Philip of Macedon standing amid a luxurious complex of four fountains.

This statue -- which will be erected next year -- will be even taller than the nearby statue of Alexander, which at 24 meters, already towers over the center of Skopje.

Since FYROM became an independent nation in 1991 -- as a result of the breakup of Yugoslavia -- Greece has objected to its use of Macedonia in its name, because there is an adjacent province in northern Greece called Macedonia. Many Greeks believe that FYROM -- by erecting these statues -- is trying to promote the impression that Alexander and Philip were of Slavic heritage instead of Hellenic heritage as is indicated by history.

Greece has retaliated against FYROM for failing to change its name by blocking its admission into NATO, as well as the European Union.