Battle of Pydna — End of Macedonian Independence
Perseus of Macedon, Philip V's son, had rebuilt Macedonian power to the point where Rome felt threatened. The Third Macedonian War (171-168 BCE) was initially inconclusive; Roman commanders lacked the ability to exploit their advantages. Lucius Aemilius Paullus — son of the consul killed at Cannae — was given command in 168 BCE and proved immediately decisive. On 22 June 168 BCE the armies met at Pydna on the Macedonian coast. The battle opened when a Roman baggage animal wandered into no-man's land, sparking a skirmish that rapidly escalated. Paullus described the Macedonian phalanx advancing as 'a terrible sight and the greatest he ever saw.' But the uneven ground broke the phalanx's formation as it advanced over the terrain. Into the gaps the Roman maniples poured. The battle lasted about an hour. Perhaps 20,000 Macedonians were killed and 11,000 captured. Perseus fled to the island of Samothrace and eventually surrendered. He was led in Paullus's triumph, and his son later died in the prison at Alba Fucens.
- Year: 168 BCE
- Category: Military
