The image of the royal women of the Argead dynasty in ancient works

Based on the ancient works, the research considers the images of the royal women of the Argead dynasty. The term ‘image’ is defined; the real and mythical images of ancient Greek women available are exemplified. The focus is placed on three females of the Argead dynasty: Eurydice, Olympias, and Adea-Eurydice. The study analyzes the key stories of Greek and Roman authors that represent the image of the royal women. The ancient historians had ambiguous opinions on this matter. On the one hand, they criticized women for their actions, and on the other hand, they admired their steadfastness and courage. It is concluded that the present-day image of the royal women of the Argead dynasty is the result of objective and subjective reasons: the prevalence of moral and philosophical ideas in historiography and the predominantly negative attitude of Greek society to active political women.