Lamian War: What Happened
In 323 BC, when news arrived of Alexander the Great's death, Athens and a coalition of Greek states rose up against Macedonian rule. The revolt was led by the Athenian general Leosthenes and backed by the Aetolians and many cities of central Greece. The allies defeated the Macedonian regent Antipater and trapped him in the fortified city of Lamia in Thessaly, which gave the war its name. The siege went well at first, but Leosthenes was killed, and Macedonian reinforcements arrived from Asia. In 322 BC, the Macedonian fleet destroyed the Athenian navy near the island of Amorgos, ending Athens' long history as a great naval power. Soon after, Antipater and the general Craterus defeated the Greek army at Crannon in Thessaly. The coalition collapsed. Athens was forced to accept a Macedonian garrison at Piraeus, and its democracy was replaced by a government in which only wealthier citizens could vote. The great orator Demosthenes, who had long opposed Macedon, fled and took poison on the island of Kalaureia, modern Poros, to avoid capture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Lamian War?
The Lamian War was an uprising by Athens and a coalition of Greek states against Macedonian rule in 323 to 322 BC, after the death of Alexander the Great.
Why is it called the Lamian War?
It is named after the city of Lamia in Thessaly, where the Greek allies trapped the Macedonian regent Antipater and besieged him in the early stages of the war.
Who won the Lamian War?
Macedon won. After the Macedonian fleet defeated the Athenians at Amorgos, Antipater and Craterus defeated the Greek army at Crannon in 322 BC.
What happened to Athens after the Lamian War?
Athens had to accept a Macedonian garrison at Piraeus, and its democracy was replaced by a government in which only wealthier citizens could vote.
What happened to Demosthenes?
The great orator Demosthenes, who had long opposed Macedon, fled Athens and took poison on the island of Kalaureia, modern Poros, to avoid capture in 322 BC.
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