First Macedonian War: What Happened
The First Macedonian War, fought from 214 to 205 BC, was the first conflict between Rome and the Hellenistic kingdom of Macedon. It grew out of the Second Punic War. After Hannibal of Carthage crushed the Romans at Cannae in 216 BC, King Philip V of Macedon made an alliance with him, hoping to drive the Romans out of Illyria, on the eastern Adriatic coast, where Rome had gained a foothold. Rome, busy fighting Hannibal in Italy, could spare few troops. Instead, it formed an alliance with the Aetolian League and later with Pergamon and other Greek states, who did most of the fighting against Philip in Greece. The war was fought mostly in scattered campaigns, and neither side achieved a decisive result. The Aetolians eventually made a separate peace with Philip in 206 BC. The following year, Rome and Macedon agreed the Peace of Phoenice, which left the situation largely unchanged. Although the war was indecisive, it marked Rome's first military involvement in Greece and set the stage for much larger interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the First Macedonian War?
The First Macedonian War, from 214 to 205 BC, was the first conflict between Rome and Macedon, fought mainly in Illyria and Greece.
Why did the First Macedonian War start?
After Hannibal crushed the Romans at Cannae in 216 BC, Philip V of Macedon allied with Carthage, hoping to drive the Romans out of Illyria.
Who were Rome's allies in the war?
Rome allied with the Aetolian League and later Pergamon and other Greek states, which did most of the fighting against Philip in Greece.
How did the First Macedonian War end?
The war ended with the Peace of Phoenice in 205 BC, which left the situation largely unchanged. Neither side achieved a decisive result.
Why was the First Macedonian War important?
It marked Rome's first military involvement in Greece and set the stage for much larger Roman interventions in the following decades.
More Events from Hellenistic Greece
