Roman Proclamation of Greek Freedom: What Happened
In 196 BC, at the Isthmian Games near Corinth, the Roman general Titus Quinctius Flamininus made a dramatic announcement. After defeating Philip V of Macedon, Rome declared that the Greek cities previously under Macedonian control would be free, ungarrisoned, exempt from tribute and governed by their own laws. According to the historian Polybius and the biographer Plutarch, the crowd was so astonished that they asked for the proclamation to be read again, and then broke into cheers so loud that birds flying overhead supposedly fell from the sky. Flamininus was mobbed by people trying to touch him and celebrated as a savior, and several Greek cities honored him with religious rites. True to his word, Rome withdrew its troops from Greece in 194 BC, including from the key fortresses known as the fetters of Greece. Yet the freedom proved limited. Rome expected the Greeks to follow its wishes, and it intervened repeatedly in Greek affairs over the following decades. Within fifty years, Greece was firmly under Roman control after the destruction of Corinth in 146 BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Roman proclamation of Greek freedom?
In 196 BC, at the Isthmian Games near Corinth, the Roman general Flamininus announced that the Greek cities formerly under Macedonian control would be free and self-governing.
How did the Greeks react to the proclamation?
According to Polybius and Plutarch, the crowd was so amazed that they asked for it to be read again, then cheered so loudly that birds were said to fall from the sky.
Did Rome keep its promise to free Greece?
Rome withdrew its troops in 194 BC, including from the key fortresses called the fetters of Greece. However, Rome still expected Greeks to follow its wishes.
Who was Titus Quinctius Flamininus?
Flamininus was the Roman general who defeated Philip V at Cynoscephalae. He admired Greek culture, and several Greek cities honored him as a savior.
How long did Greek freedom last?
The freedom proved limited. Rome intervened repeatedly in Greek affairs, and within fifty years Greece was firmly under Roman control after the destruction of Corinth in 146 BC.
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