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. The individual examinations look at: the role of Greek religion in Olympias' life; literary and artistic traditions about Olympias found throughout the later ancient periods; and varying representations of Olympias found in the major ancient sources. This book is an absolutely compelling read for students, scholars, and anyone with an interest in Greek, classical, or women's history.