Uncovering another hidden badass of ancient history
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In our upcoming podcast episode (I will be posting it this week), we discussed some Warrior Queens that you’ve probably never heard of. In today’s blog I’m covering another badass warrior. She wasn’t queen, but she was related to royalty. Her name was Cynane (pronounced KEENnahnay), and she was the half sister of Alexander the Great, and an amazing military warrior and political strategist …
Cynane was born around 357 BC, to King Philip II of Macedon and his Illyrian wife, Audata. While much of the historical focus often centers on her more famous brother, Cynane's life and legacy offer a compelling narrative of female strength, agency, and resilience. In many ways, she can be viewed as a feminist icon, challenging the gender norms of her time and paving the way for women in positions of power and influence.
Cynane's upbringing was unconventional for a Macedonian princess. Her mother, Audata, an Illyrian princess herself, ensured that Cynane was trained in the arts of war. She was skilled in horsemanship, archery, and combat, a rare education for a woman in her era. This martial training not only prepared her for the turbulent life she would lead but also set her apart as a figure of female empowerment in a male-dominated society.
In 344 BC, during Philip II's campaign in Illyria, Cynane accompanied her father and demonstrated her prowess in battle. According to historical accounts, she fought valiantly, earning respect and admiration from the soldiers. Her active participation in military campaigns and her ability to lead troops were extraordinary achievements that defied the conventional expectations of women at the time.
Cynane's life was not only defined by her military capabilities but also by her astute political acumen. After the assassination of her father and the subsequent rise of Alexander the Great, Cynane navigated the treacherous political landscape with intelligence and determination. She married Amyntas IV, a cousin and potential rival to Alexander, a move that consolidated her position within the royal family.
Following the deaths of Philip and Alexander, the Macedonian empire was plunged into a power struggle known as the Wars of the Diadochi. In this turbulent period, Cynane emerged as a formidable political player. She sought to secure a future for her daughter, Eurydice, arranging her marriage to Philip III Arrhidaeus, Alexander's half-brother and the nominal king of Macedon. This alliance was a strategic maneuver designed to position Eurydice as a queen and secure their family's influence.
Cynane's most significant act of defiance came in 323 BC, after the death of Alexander. Determined to see her daughter Eurydice ascend to power, Cynane led an army to confront the regent, Antipater. Her boldness in challenging the most powerful men in the Macedonian empire was unprecedented. However, her ambitions led to her assassination on the orders of Perdiccas, one of Alexander's generals. Despite her death, her legacy endured through her daughter, who continued to fight for her rightful place in Macedonian politics.
Cynane's life story is a testament to her courage, leadership, and indomitable spirit. She challenged the patriarchal norms of her society, demonstrating that women could be as capable and influential as men. Her martial prowess, political strategies, and relentless pursuit of power for her family position her as a symbol of female empowerment in antiquity.
In modern times, Cynane can be celebrated as a feminist icon. Her story resonates with contemporary themes of gender equality and women's rights. She broke barriers, fought for her family's legacy, and left an indelible mark on the history of Macedon. Cynane's life encourages us to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of women in history and to draw inspiration from their strength and resilience.
By honoring Cynane, we acknowledge the rich tapestry of female agency and power in history. Her legacy reminds us that women have always been capable of shaping their destinies and influencing the world around them, even in the face of formidable odds.
