Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society Alexander the Great's Mummy Issues: Olympias
Sep 5, 2025
Tristan Hughes, host of The Ancients podcast and expert in ancient history, dives into the life of Olympias, the formidable mother of Alexander the Great. They discuss Olympias's significant influence in Macedonian politics and her tumultuous marriage to Philip II. The episode reveals her mystical practices and complex relationship with snakes, and how she fought for Alexander's legitimacy amidst rivalries. Hughes also highlights her fierce protection of her grandson's legacy after Alexander’s death, showcasing the relentless power struggles in ancient Macedonia.
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Diplomatic Origins And Outsider Status
- Olympias rose from the Molossian royal family and married Philip II as a diplomatic alliance, not a fairy-tale romance.
- Her non-Macedonian origin and royal blood shaped both her influence and long-term hostility from Macedonian elites.
Polygamy Created Deadly Court Factions
- Philip II kept multiple political marriages, which created fierce court factions and succession uncertainty.
- Olympias' status rose because she produced Alexander, but her Molossian birth left her vulnerable to xenophobic opposition.
The Snake Conception Tale
- Ancient sources claim Olympias practiced Dionysiac cult rites and even had sex with a snake embodying Amun.
- Tristan and Kate treat the snake story as likely propaganda and myth-making around Alexander's divine conception.