Pella

Capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. It was the birthplace of Philip II of Macedon and Alexander the Great. Excavations began in 1957 and many elaborate mosaics have been revealed at the site, 40 km/25 mi northwest of Thessaloniki. It declined after the defeat of Macedonia by Rome 168 BC, and later became a Roman colony.

Pella

Agricultural market town in Marion County, southern-central Iowa, USA, 24 km/15 mi northwest of Oskaloosa; population (1996 est) 9,600. A trading and processing centre for regional farm produce and livestock, it specializes in the production of Bologna sausage and baked goods.

Pella was founded in 1847 by Dutch settlers involved in a separatist movement in the Netherlands and who fled to the USA to avoid persecution. The name was taken from a biblical city of refuge. Features include an animated musical clock, carillon bells, and an annual tulip festival, which reflects the Dutch heritage. There is also the Pella historical village with 21 buildings in Dutch style, and a miniature village at 1:24 scale. Pella is the seat of Central College (1853). Red Rock Reservoir on the Des Moines River lies 8 km/5 mi to the southwest.