Cleopatra Eurydice of Macedon

Eurydice (Greek: Ευρυδίκη), born Cleopatra (Greek: Κλεοπάτρα) was a mid. 4th century BCE Macedonian noblewoman, niece of Attalus, and 5th wife[1] of Philip II of Macedon.

Contents

Biography

Cleopatra was a maiden[2] who Philip married either in 338[3] or 337[4] BCE. As Philip's wife, Cleopatra was given the name "Eurydice". Although Philip was a polygamist, his marriage to Cleopatra greatly upset Olympias, and threw Alexander's heirship into question.

According to both Justin[5] and Satyrus[6], Cleopatra Eurydice and Philip produced two children, Europa, a girl, and Caranus, a boy.[7]

Following Philip's assassination, Europa and Caranus were murdered by Olympias, whereupon Cleopatra took her own life[8]. Peter Green strongly suggests that Alexander ordered the death of Caranus, but that Europa and Cleopatra's fatalities were the result of Olympias's vindictiveness.

References

According to both Justin[5] and Satyrus[6], Cleopatra Eurydice and Philip produced two children, Europa, a girl, and Caranus, a boy.[7] Following Philip's assassination, it is thought that Europa and Caranus were murdered by Olympias, whereupon Cleopatra took her own life[8]. Peter Green strongly suggests that Alexander ordered the death of Caranus, but that Europa and Cleopatra's fatalities were the result of Olympias's vindictiveness. This behavior and process is typical among hierarchy in all areas of history.

Notes

  1. ^ Green, Peter. Alexander of Macedon 356-323 B.C: A Historical Biography
  2. ^ Plutarch, The Life of Alexander, 9. [1]
  3. ^ Ibid.
  4. ^ Tarn
  5. ^ Junianus Justinus, Epitome of Pompeius Trogus, ix. 7
  6. ^ Satyrus of Athens (13.557e)
  7. ^ William Woodthorpe Tarn ignores Europa entirely and disputes even the existence of Caranus.
  8. ^ Pausanias, Description of Greece, viii. 7. 7; Justin, ibid.; Plutarch, Parallel Lives, "Alexander" x. 4

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