Controversy over Alexander's name

The use of Alexander the Great's name for an airport in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYR Macedonia) has caused dismay amongst Greek politicians, according to reports.

FYR Macedonia sits north of Greek Macedonia and according to local newspaper reports its government is planning to rename Skopje international airport to Alexander the Great airport.

However, officials from Greece have noted that Alexander the Great came from Greek Macedonia and forged an empire of ancient Greeks.

"History cannot change, or be falsified, 2,000 years on," Greek foreign minister Dora Bakoyannis told the BBC.

"With its announcement today, [Macedonia] once again seeks false supports in the past."

The government in FYR Macedonia wants the country to be known as the Republic of Macedonia and noted that the airport renaming was a goodwill gesture.

Alexander the Great lived from 356 to 323 BC and led a number of Greek conquests throughout the region. He died of a mystery illness shortly before his 33rd birthday.