Achaean War: What Happened
In 146 BC, the Achaean League, the last major independent power in Greece, went to war with Rome. For decades, the League had been a Roman ally, but tensions grew as Rome interfered more and more in Greek affairs. The immediate crisis came from a long dispute between the League and Sparta, which wanted to leave the federation and appealed to Rome for support. When Roman envoys announced that Sparta, Corinth, Argos and other cities should be separated from the League, anti-Roman leaders in the League, including its generals Critolaus and Diaeus, chose war. It was a hopeless fight against the most powerful state in the Mediterranean. The Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus defeated Critolaus in central Greece, and Critolaus disappeared during the retreat. The consul Lucius Mummius then crushed the remaining Achaean army near Corinth, and Diaeus killed himself. Rome dissolved the Achaean League and destroyed Corinth as a warning. The war ended the independence of the Greek city-states. From then on, Greece was effectively under Roman control, supervised by the governor of Macedonia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Achaean War?
The Achaean War was fought in 146 BC between Rome and the Achaean League, the last major independent power in Greece. Rome won decisively.
Why did the Achaean League fight Rome?
Tensions grew over Roman interference in Greek affairs, especially a dispute with Sparta. When Rome ordered cities to be separated from the League, anti-Roman leaders chose war.
Who led the Roman forces in the Achaean War?
Quintus Caecilius Metellus defeated the Achaean general Critolaus, and the consul Lucius Mummius crushed the remaining Achaean army near Corinth.
What happened after the Achaean War?
Rome dissolved the Achaean League and destroyed Corinth as a warning. Greece came under Roman control, supervised by the governor of Macedonia.
Why is the Achaean War important?
The Achaean War ended the independence of the Greek city-states. From then on, Greece was part of the Roman world for centuries.
