Olympias
| Olympias | |
|---|---|
Egyptian medallion with Olympias, Museum of Thessaloniki | |
| Queen of Macedon | |
| Tenure | c. 357–316 BC |
| Born | 375 BC Molossia, Epirus, Ancient Greece |
| Died | 316 BC (aged 59) Macedonia, Ancient Greece |
| Spouse | Philip II of Macedon |
| Issue | Alexander the Great Cleopatra of Macedon |
| Ancient Greek | Ολυμπιάς |
| House | Molossians |
| Father | Neoptolemus I of Epirus |
| Religion | Ancient Greek religion |
Olympias (Ancient Greek: Ὀλυμπιάς; c. 375–316 BC) was a Greek princess of the Molossians, the eldest daughter of King Neoptolemus I of Epirus, and the sister of Alexander I of Epirus. She was the mother of Alexander the Great by Philip II, king of Macedonia. She was extremely influential in Alexander's life and was recognized as de facto leader of Macedon during his conquests.
After Alexander the Great's death, conflict broke out over who would inherit the empire. Olympias fought on behalf of her grandson Alexander IV; she defeated Adea Eurydice, and Alexander IV was included in the line of succession. However, she was eventually defeated by Cassander and executed, and Alexander IV was assassinated before wielding any power.