AR 1/5 Tetradrachm 2.57g
Minted under Eurydike (Adea), Amphipolis, 318-317 BCE
Le Rider Taf. 46, 29; SNG ANS 731–735
Vs.: Kopf des Apollon mit Tänie n. r.
Rs.: Jüngling reitet n. r., unten seitlich gesehener Schild
Those of you who follow ancient numismatics may wonder two things:
1) Isn’t this coin minted by Polyperchon?
2) Why isn’t she just called “Eurydike”?
Pretty much every other site attributes this 1/5 tetradrachm to Polyperchon, but he had little say in it. He wasn’t anywhere near Amphipolis at the time, and he wasn’t in charge of Macedon. That was Eurydike, who was born Adea. She’s often addressed as Adea Eurydike to not confuse her with the several other Eurydike’s who lived around that time, including Eurydike, daughter of Lysimachos.
Adea was quite extraordinary at the time. Brought up by her mother Cynane, half-sister of Alexander the Great, she was instructed in the arts of war. Her mother sacrificed herself to gain her daughter’s marriage to Philip III, but due to his mental capacity, Adea soon ran the show.
At Triparidisos, her fiery speeches to the army nearly gave her control of the entire Macedonian army and Antipater, Antigonos, and Seleukos barely stayed alive. Were she not a woman, she probably would have managed it.
She controlled Macedonia from roughly 319 to 317, and was killed by Olympias in what is thought to be the first battle led by women on both sides. Adea never stood a chance, since Olympias only needed to show up in her royal gown and every soldier surrendered at the sight of Alexander the Great‘s mother.
Legend has it that Olympias offered Adea the choice of dying by a rope, poison, or a dagger. Out of spite, she hung herself with her own girdle. Olympias did not long survive the battle. Kassander, who was allied with Adea, had her stoned to death, then left her corpse for the crows.
When I think of Adea Eurydike, I wonder whether she was the one truly destined to replace Alexander. She was just unfortunately born as a female.
Adea Eurydike is born (suspected year).
September
Kynane of Macedon hatches a plan to marry her daughter, Adea Eurydike, to Philip III. She is killed by Alketas, the brother of Perdikkas, in the process, but soldiers are so disgusted at the murder that they escort Adea to Babylon.
October
Adea Eurydike is married to Philip III, most likely in Babylon.
Adea Eurydike nearly turns troops against Antigonos I Monophthalmos and Antipater at the Treaty of Triparidisos and take control over Alexander’s empire, but is eventually subdued by Antipater.
September
Adea Eurydike demands a share of the regency of Macedon after the death of Perdikkas.
Antipater brings Roxana, Alexander IV, and Philip III with Adea Eurydike to Macedon.
Adea Eurydike forges an alliance with Kassander against Polyperchon.
Adea Eurydike deposes Polyperchon, who was fighting elsewhere, and rules Macedon herself.
June
Polyperchon and Olympias march against Adea Eurydike. Adea’s soldiers refuse to fight against Alexander’s mother and switch to Olympias’ side. Adea is captured near Amphipolis.
October
Adea Eurydike is killed by Olympias, who offers her the choice of hemlock, a rope, or a sword. Adea chooses to hang herself with her own girdle.
April
The body of Adea Eurydike is transported back to Aigai by Kassander and buried with honors.