Poliorcetes and Cratesipolis: A Note on Plutarch, Demetr. 9.5-7

In chapter nine of his Life of Demetrius, Plutarch records an amorous interlude between Demetrius the Besieger and Cratesipolis, the widow of Polyperchon's son, Alexander. Plutarch is our sole source for this incident. Perhaps he was struck—as we can hardly fail to be—by a sense of whimsy in the story of a liaison between lovers named ‘She Who Rules the City’ and ‘The Besieger of Cities’. There is nothing especially unusual about the affair itself, as Demetrius is remembered as a prodigal womaniser, but the historical context, timing and circumstances are bizarre, and warrant investigation.