Neoptolemus I of Epirus

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Neoptolemus I
Alcetas I
ReligionAncient Greek religion

Neoptolemus I of Epirus (

Lycomedes, while Emperor Caracalla
claimed that he was a descendant of Neoptolemus I. Olympias was originally known as Polyxena and it is possible that Neoptolemus gave her that name.

Etymology

Medallion depicting Poseidon and Olympias, daughter of Neoptolemus.

His name means "new war".[2] This was also a name of the son of the warrior Achilles and the Princess Deidamia in Greek mythology, and also the mythical progenitor of the ruling dynasty of the Molossians of ancient Epirus.

Reign

On the death of Alcetas, Neoptolemus and his brother

Molossian League goes back to 370 BC under Neoptolemus.[3]

See also

  • List of the kings of Ancient Epirus

Notes

References

  • Pausanias i. 11. §§ 1, 3
  • Justin vii. 6. § 10, xvii. 3. § 14
  • Droysen
    , Hellenismus, vol. i. p. 250

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domainSmith, William, ed. (1870). "Neoptolemus". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.

Preceded by
King of Epirus
with Arymbas

370–357 BC
Succeeded by