1. Overview
Neoptolemus I of Epirus was a Greek king of the ancient state of Epirus who reigned from 370 BC. He co-ruled the kingdom with his brother, Arybbas, in a period marked by agreement and lack of significant conflict. His rule is notable for the earliest epigraphical evidence of the Molossian League and for his prominent lineage, being the son of Alcetas I, and the father of Alexander I of Epirus and Queen Olympias. Through Olympias, he became the maternal grandfather of Alexander the Great, making him a significant figure in the dynastic history of the Hellenistic world.
2. Life
Neoptolemus I's personal background is rooted in the rich mythological and historical traditions of ancient Greece. His name carries a specific meaning, and his family lineage connects him directly to legendary heroes and future historical giants.
2.1. Etymology and Name
The name Neoptolemus (Νεοπτόλεμος Α' ΗπείρουGreek, Modern) means "new war". This name holds particular significance in Greek mythology, as it was also the name of the son of the renowned warrior Achilles and Princess Deidamia. Furthermore, this mythological Neoptolemus is considered the mythical progenitor of the ruling dynasty of the Molossians in ancient Epirus, a lineage that Neoptolemus I himself claimed to be a part of.
2.2. Family and Lineage
Neoptolemus I was the son of Alcetas I, who was the preceding king of Epirus. Neoptolemus I had three known children: a daughter named Troas, a son named Alexander I of Epirus, and another daughter who became Queen Olympias. Olympias, his daughter, was a pivotal figure in history as she married Philip II of Macedon and became the mother of Alexander the Great. Thus, Neoptolemus I was the maternal grandfather of Alexander the Great. His progeny continued to play a significant role, as he was also the great-grandfather of Pyrrhus of Epirus, a highly influential king and military commander. Neoptolemus I claimed direct descent from the legendary hero Achilles and King Lycomedes. Notably, the Roman Emperor Caracalla later also claimed to be a descendant of Neoptolemus I. Interestingly, Queen Olympias was originally known as Polyxena, and it is believed that Neoptolemus I may have been the one to give her the name Olympias.
3. Reign
Neoptolemus I's reign was characterized by a power-sharing arrangement with his brother and saw the early formalization of a significant regional political entity.
3.1. Accession and Co-rule
Following the death of his father, Alcetas I, Neoptolemus I and his brother, Arybbas, initially contended for the throne. However, they ultimately reached an agreement to divide the kingdom of Epirus and rule jointly. This arrangement of co-rule proved to be largely peaceful, with both brothers governing their respective portions of the kingdom without any significant interruptions to their harmony. This period of shared rule commenced in 370 BC and continued until 357 BC. Although Neoptolemus I's death is placed around 360 BC, the co-rule arrangement with Arybbas extended until 357 BC.
3.2. Key Events and Policies
During Neoptolemus I's reign, a significant political development was the emergence of the Molossian League. The earliest epigraphical evidence of this league dates back to approximately 370 BC, coinciding with the beginning of Neoptolemus's rule. This suggests an active role in establishing or formalizing this political body which united the Molossian tribes. Neoptolemus I's reign ended with his death, which, according to the German historian Johann Gustav Droysen, occurred around 360 BC.