Queen Olympias who was the mother of Alexander the Great
Queen Olympias, the mother of Alexander the Great, hailed from Epirus and married King Philip II in 357 BCE, cementing a significant alliance. She gave birth to Alexander and, despite her Epirote origins, moved to Pella. Olympias’s life was marked by intrigue and allegations, including suspicions of involvement in Philip’s assassination. Her influence on Alexander’s upbringing and his achievements shaped the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on ancient Greece.
Queen Olympias, the mother of Alexander the Great
Olympias’ Hometown – Epirus
Olympias, born in 375 BCE, hailed from the region of Epirus in northwest Greece. She was the daughter of King Neoptolemus I of Epirus and Queen Polyxena. Her family background provided her with a royal pedigree from an early age.
Marriage to Philip II
Olympias entered the annals of history when she married King Philip II of Macedon in 357 BCE. This union was not only a marriage but also a strategic alliance between the Epirote kingdom and the powerful Macedonian monarchy.
Alexander’s Birth and Move to Pella
In 356 BCE, Olympias gave birth to her son, Alexander. This momentous event would shape the course of history. Notably, she claimed that the god Zeus was the true father of Alexander, which added an aura of divine destiny to her son’s life.
Despite her Epirote origins, Olympias moved to the Macedonian capital, Pella, with Philip II. There, she became deeply involved in the Macedonian court, and her son’s education, fostering his love for Greek culture and literature.
Intrigue and Allegations
Olympias’s relationship with Philip was tumultuous, marked by both love and strife. She faced intrigue and rumors of conspiracy against her husband, as some suspected her involvement in his assassination in 336 BCE. These allegations remain speculative, with no conclusive evidence to confirm her complicity.
Alexander’s Ascension
After Philip’s death, Alexander ascended to the Macedonian throne. Olympias’s influence in his life continued as she supported her son’s ambitions, including his campaign of conquest, which would eventually lead to the creation of one of history’s most significant empires.
Olympias, a complex figure in history, played a pivotal role in shaping Alexander the Great’s character and legacy. Her actions and influence remain a subject of fascination and debate, making her an enduring figure in the annals of ancient Greece.