Olympias, the Mother of Alexander the Great and Second Consort to Philip II of Macedon The enigmatic union between Olympias and Philip II of Macedon marked a pivotal moment in history, as she ascended to the throne and secured her legacy as queen. Originally named Myrtale, Olympias was the daughter of King Neoptolemus of Epirus, a Greek realm situated to the southwest of Macedon. Historical accounts suggest that her pivotal meeting with Philip II occurred on the Aegean island of Samothrace, where Philip had traveled to cultivate political alliances. According to the chronicler Plutarch, the Macedonian king was immediately captivated by the young woman's striking beauty and spirited temperament; despite her status as an orphan, Philip was so moved by his affection that he promptly betrothed himself to her. Within the geopolitical landscape of the ancient world, it was a frequent occurrence for monarchs to enter into multiple marriages, as such unions often served as vital instruments of diplomatic alliance. In 357 BCE, the eighteen-year-old Olympias ascended as the second wife of Philip II, who was then approximately twenty-eight years of age at the time of their union. #mothersday #motherofgods #olympia #history #worldhistory #historytok