Olympias, the mother of Alexander the Great: Master manipulator or political pawn?

Olympias was born around 375 BCE in Epirus, a region in northwestern Greece. Her birth name was Polyxena, but she would later take the name Olympias after her marriage.

Her father was Neoptolemus I, who was the king of the Molossians, a tribe within Epirus. By the age of 17, she was well-versed in the religious rites and rituals of her people, particularly the worship of Dionysus. 

Olympias was betrothed to Philip II of Macedon in 357 BCE, when she was 18 years old. This marriage forged a powerful alliance between Epirus and Macedon and the union was politically advantageous, strengthening both kingdoms against common enemies.

After her move to Macedon, Olympias would give birth to two children: Alexander in 356 BCE and Cleopatra in 354 BCE.

Her relationship with Philip, however, grew increasingly strained due to his numerous infidelities and political alliances. 

As Queen of Macedon, Olympias wielded significant influence over both domestic and foreign affairs. She was deeply involved in religious and political matters, often using her position to promote the worship of Dionysus, which was a source of her personal power.

Her devotion to the god sometimes caused friction with the traditional Macedonian religious practices, but she persisted in her efforts to integrate Dionysian rituals into the court.  

She quickly became a central figure in the court, using her influence to secure her position and advance her son's future.

When Philip II embarked on his numerous military campaigns, Olympias took on a more prominent role in managing the kingdom.

She made alliances with key political figures and navigated the complex dynamics of the Macedonian court.  

As the mother of Alexander the Great, Olympias played a crucial role in shaping his destiny. She often told Alexander that he was descended from the gods, particularly emphasizing his connection to Achilles and Zeus.

Her influence encouraged Alexander to embrace his heritage and aspire to greatness. 

Olympias also closely supervised Alexander's education. At one time, he was taught by the famous philosopher, Aristotle, who provided a comprehensive education in philosophy, science, and the arts.

Her insistence on a rigorous education reflected her belief in his potential. By surrounding him with knowledgeable and influential figures, she created an environment that nurtured his intellectual and leadership abilities. 

In the final years of her marriage, Olympias faced increasing opposition due to Philip's marriage to Cleopatra Eurydice.

This new alliance threatened her and Alexander's position as the heir to the Macedonian throne. Nevertheless, she maneuvered skillfully to retain her power, even when temporarily retreating to Epirus, where she continued to exert pressure on Philip and his court. 

When Philip was assassinated in 336 BCE, Olympias acted swiftly to protect Alexander's claim to the throne. She eliminated potential rivals, including Cleopatra Eurydice and her infant daughter.

As such, she ensured that Alexander's succession was uncontested. Olympias' ruthless approach to securing power was both feared and respected by those around her.

In addition, her influence extended into the early years of Alexander's rule, where she continued to wield power behind the scenes. 

During Alexander's campaigns, Olympias remained deeply involved in Macedonian politics. She managed affairs in his absence, dealing with internal disputes and maintaining loyalty among the nobles.

Her ability to govern effectively kept the kingdom stable while Alexander expanded his empire.  She wrote many letters to her son, in which she advised Alexander on political matters, offering her insights and strategies.

Her insights and experience were invaluable to him, particularly in handling court intrigues and rebellions. With her guidance, Alexander could focus on his conquests without worrying about the stability of his kingdom.

Despite the physical distance, their partnership in rule remained strong. 

After a number of his victories, Alexander sent lavish gifts back to Olympias, which were meant to demonstrate his deep respect and love for his mother.

For example, following the Battle of Issus in 333 BCE, he sent her a considerable share of the captured spoils, including 300 talents of silver and various precious items. 

Antipater, a trusted general, was officially appointed regent of Macedon in Alexander's absence. He governed with an iron hand, but often clashing with Olympias.

She resented his authority and sought to undermine his position whenever possible. She tried to sway Alexander against Antipater by highlighting his growing power and ambition.

Despite her best efforts, Alexander continued to rely on Antipater for the stability of Macedon.  

However, when Alexander died in 323 BCE, Olympias faced new political troubles. Antipater secured his position as regent, but Olympias refused to accept his dominance.

She fiercely protected the rights of her grandson, Alexander IV, as the legitimate heir. This meant that she had to fight against rival claimants to the throne.

Despite her relentless efforts, Antipater maintained a firm grip on Macedon until his death in 319 BCE. His death, however, did not end the conflict but rather shifted it to his son, Cassander. 

Cassander inherited his father's ambition and ruthlessness. From the beginning, he viewed Olympias as a significant threat to his power.

In spite of her temporary exile, she returned to Macedon in 317 BCE to reclaim her position and power. With the support of allies like Polyperchon, she sought to eliminate her adversaries and secure the throne for her grandson.  

The alliance with Polyperchon initially gave Olympias an advantage. Together, they managed to reclaim Macedon. She then ordered the execution of Philip III Arrhidaeus and his wife, Eurydice, aiming to secure her grandson Alexander IV's position.

However, Cassander's forces laid siege to Pydna, where Olympias had taken refuge. Her supporters dwindled as the siege dragged on, and supplies ran low.

By the end of 316 BCE, Olympias realized that her position was untenable. With no other options, she surrendered to Cassander. 

Upon her capture, Cassander faced the delicate task of dealing with Olympias. He understood the potential backlash of executing a former queen and the mother of Alexander the Great.

Despite promises of clemency, Cassander chose to proceed with her execution to remove any threat to his rule. In a carefully orchestrated trial, he accused her of numerous crimes, including the murders of Philip III and Eurydice.

By early 316 BCE, the verdict was clear, and Olympias was condemned to death. It was said that Olympias faced her death with the same fierce resolve that had defined her life.