Battle of Pydna: What Happened
On 22 June 168 BC, the Roman general Lucius Aemilius Paullus defeated King Perseus of Macedon near Pydna, on the coast of Pieria in northern Greece. It was the decisive battle of the Third Macedonian War. The battle is precisely dated because of a lunar eclipse the night before, which, according to ancient accounts, a Roman officer had predicted. The fighting reportedly began almost by accident, in a skirmish over a runaway horse at a stream between the two camps. The Macedonian phalanx, with its long pikes, advanced in a powerful formation and at first pushed the Romans back across the level ground. Paullus later admitted he had never seen anything so terrifying. But as the phalanx moved onto uneven ground, gaps opened in its ranks. Roman legionaries forced their way into the gaps, where the pikes were useless at close range, and the phalanx broke apart. Around 20,000 Macedonians were killed. Perseus fled but was captured. Pydna ended the Antigonid dynasty and the Macedonian kingdom that Philip II and Alexander had made great.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of Pydna?
The Battle of Pydna, on 22 June 168 BC, was the decisive battle of the Third Macedonian War, in which Rome defeated King Perseus of Macedon in northern Greece.
How do we know the exact date of Pydna?
The date is known because of a lunar eclipse the night before, which, according to ancient accounts, a Roman officer had predicted.
How did the Romans defeat the phalanx at Pydna?
As the phalanx advanced onto uneven ground, gaps opened in its ranks. Roman legionaries forced their way in, where the long pikes were useless at close range.
What happened after the Battle of Pydna?
Around 20,000 Macedonians were killed, and Perseus was captured. The battle ended the Antigonid dynasty and the Macedonian kingdom.
Where was the Battle of Pydna fought?
The battle was fought near Pydna, on the coast of Pieria in northern Greece, close to modern Katerini and near Mount Olympus.
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