Molossians
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The Molossians were a group of ancient Greek tribes which inhabited the region of Epirus in classical antiquity. Together with the Chaonians and the Thesprotians, they formed the main tribal groupings
Coin of Molossi, 360–330/25 BC. Obverse: Vertical thunderbolt on shield, ΜΟΛΟΣΣΩΝ (of Molossians) around shield. Reverse: Thunderbolt within wreath.
Bronze figurine of Zeus Keraunios bearing a thunderbolt, from the oracle of Dodona; preserved in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Neoptolemus
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In Greek mythology, Neoptolemus, originally called Pyrrhus at birth, was the son of the mythical warrior Achilles and the princess Deidamia, and the brother of Oneiros. He became the progenitor of the
Molossians
…similar to Macedonian Peliganes (Πελιγᾶνες). The Molossian ruling dynasty claimed to be descended from mythological Molossus, one of the three sons of Neoptolemus, son of Achilles and Deidamia. Following the sack of Troy, Neoptolemus and his armies settled in Epirus where they joined with the local population…
Neoptolemus killing Priam on a black-figure amphora, Louvre.
Scene from the tragedy Andromache by Euripides: Orestes kills Neoptolemus at the altar of Apollo in Delphi. Despairing Hermione, wife of Neoptolemus but previously promised to Orestes, kneels at the foot of the altar. Roman fresco in Pompeii
Andromache and Pyrrhus, by Pierre-Narcisse Guérin, 1810