She was an Illyrian princess and the first wife of Philip II of Macedon. Born in the mid-4th century BCE, she was the daughter of Bardylis, the powerful king of the Dardani, an Illyrian tribe.
Audata’s marriage to Philip II around 359 BCE was part of a political alliance following Philip’s military campaigns in the region. The union sought to secure peace between Macedon and the Illyrians while consolidating Philip’s power during the early years of his reign.
She is noted for her connection to Illyrian culture and its warrior traditions. According to some accounts, she instilled martial skills and values in her daughter, Cynane, who became a notable figure and warrior in Macedonian history.
Although her life is not well-documented, Audata’s influence on her family and her role in bridging Illyrian and Macedonian relations are significant.
Audata’s exact date of death is unknown, but she likely passed away before Philip II’s subsequent marriages. Despite the scarcity of detailed records, her legacy endures through her daughter and her role in the early stages of Macedon’s rise under Philip II’s rule.
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