Phila (daughter of Antipater)

Phila (c. 355 BC – 287 BC) was the daughter of Antipater, regent of Macedon, and a powerful figure during the early years of the Diadochi period following the death of Alexander the Great. She was a prominent and politically astute woman who played a significant role in the complex dynastic struggles of the era.

Phila's marriages were crucial to Antipater's political strategies. Her first marriage was to Craterus, one of Alexander's most distinguished generals. This union solidified Antipater's power base and provided a vital alliance with a key military figure. After Craterus' death in battle in 321 BC, Phila was strategically remarried to Demetrius Poliorcetes, son of Antigonus I Monophthalmus, another powerful general vying for control of Alexander's empire.

This second marriage to Demetrius was designed to foster an alliance between Antipater and Antigonus against their rivals. Phila proved to be a loyal and effective wife to Demetrius, even during times of hardship and political upheaval. She bore him two children: Stratonice and a son, Antigonus II Gonatas, who would eventually become King of Macedon.

Phila was known for her intelligence, diplomatic skills, and unwavering support for her husbands and family. She was a respected figure in the Hellenistic courts and played a key role in negotiations and political maneuvering. Faced with the immense challenges of the Diadochi period, Phila navigated the treacherous waters of power with skill and determination, leaving a lasting mark on the history of the era. Her death in 287 BC, possibly by suicide due to Demetrius's declining fortunes and her desire to maintain her family's honor, marked the end of an influential and politically active life.