The Other Alexander: Philip II and Alexander Molossus

Alexander was the brother of Olympias, mother of Alexander the Great. In the erudite tradition, he is often referred to as Ἀλέξανδρος ὁ Μολοττός (Alexander Molossus), but by historians is called Alexander king of Epirus or king of Epirotes. The story of this Alexander is linked on the one hand to his country and its political organization, on the other to the story of his nephew, the son of Olympias, whose universal fame has overshadowed that of his namesake. After marrying Cleopatra, daughter, like Alexander the Great, of Olympias and Philip II, the young Alexander Molossus attempted a military expedition to southern Italy. However, there he died without glory, as Livy states (VIII 24, 17-18), putting a tombstone on his life.