Olympias
Queen of Macedon, Mother of Alexander the Great
Biography
Olympias was a princess of Epirus who married Philip II of Macedon. She was a devout follower of the Dionysian mysteries and fiercely protective of her son Alexander.
After Alexander's death, she sought to protect the rights of her grandson, Alexander IV. This brought her into conflict with other Diadochi, particularly Cassander.
She successfully invaded Macedon and executed Philip III Arrhidaeus and his wife Eurydice in 317 BC. However, Cassander soon besieged her in Pydna. After her surrender, she was executed in 316 BC, marking the end of her influence on the Argead dynasty.