Olympias, << oh LIHM pee uhs >> (375?-316 B.C.), was the wife of Philip II of Macedonia, and the mother of Alexander the Great. A proud and emotional woman, Olympias influenced Alexander greatly. She told Alexander that his real father was the god Zeus-Ammon, not Philip. Olympias feared that Philip might choose another heir. Many people believe she had Philip killed to ensure that Alexander would become king. After Alexander’s death in 323 B.C., Olympias tried to keep the empire for her grandson, Alexander IV. She failed, and in 316 B.C. was captured by Cassander, a Macedonian prince. Olympias was eventually killed. See also Alexander the Great (His youth) ; Philip II .
