Olympias: Mother of Alexander the Great

by Carney; Elizabeth

• ISBN13: 9780415333160
• ISBN10: 0415333164
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-07-24
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The definitive guide to the life of the first woman to play a major role in Greek political history, this is the first modern biography of Olympias.Presenting a critical assessment of a fascinating and wholly misunderstood figure, Elizabeth Carney penetrates myth, fiction and sexual politics and conducts a close examination of Olympias through historical and literary sources, and brings her to life as she places the figure in the context of her own ancient, brutal political world.Individual examinations look at:* the role of Greek religion in Olympias' life* literary and artistic traditions about Olympias found throughout the later ancient periods* varying representations of Olympias found in the major ancient sources.An absolutely compelling read for students, scholars, and anyone with an interest in Greek, classical, or women's history.

Author Biography

Elizabeth Carney is Professor of Ancient History at Clemson University in South Carolina.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
Significant events	xi
The Aeacid dynasty	xiii
The Argead dynasty	xiv
List of abbreviations	xv
Introduction	1	(4)
1 Olympias the Molossian	5	(14)
2 Olympias, wife of Philip II	19	(23)
3 Olympias, mother of the king, Alexander the Great	42	(18)
4 Olympias on her own, 323-316	60	(28)
5 Olympias and religion	88	(16)
6 Olympias' afterlife	104	(21)
Appendix: Olympias and the sources	125	(13)
List of terms	138	(2)
Notes	140	(57)
Bibliography	197	(16)
Index	213