- The First Macedonian War (214-205 BCE) was part of the Macedonian Wars (214-148 BCE) between Rome and Greece, which resulted in Greece becoming part of the Empire of the Roman Republic.
- The War was a Naval War with Philip V of Macedon where Rome was able to preempt a Greek invasion of Illyria, whilst the Romans were engaged in the Second Punic War (218-210 BCE) against Carthage.
The Reason for the War
- Concerned that Philip V was an Ally of Carthage and might assist Hannibal, the Rome sent a small Force to harass and prevent Macedonia from joining up with Hannibal.
Description
- 217 BCE Philip V of Macedon built a fleet of 100 vessels called Lembos, each carrying 50 soldiers with the intention of occupying the Illyrian coast. Halfway there the Fleet turned back, on the false news of a Roman Navy Quinquereme Fleet approaching.
- 216 BCE After the Battle of Cannae (216 BCE) Philip V allied himself with Hannibal of Carthage. Rome immediately placed 50 warships at Tarentum, with the ability to invade Macedonia if necessary, pre-empting an invasion by Philip V.
- 214 BCE Philip V attacked Illyria with 120 Lembos, capturing Oricum. Rome moved its fleet to Brundisium and sent a Legion under Propraetor Marcus Valerius Laevinus to cross over and retake Oricum. He then successfully relieved the siege upriver of Apollonia and burnt Philip V’s fleet, eliminating risk of a future invasion.
- 211 BCE The Aetolian League of Greek Cities allied themselves with Laevinus, and commenced operations against Philip V by land whilst the Romans harassed him at sea.
The Outcome
- The War was inconclusive and resulted in the Aetolian League signing the ‘Peace of Phoenice’ in 205 BCE.
- Rome had at least prevented Macedonia uniting with Hannibal.
Oricum (Pashaliman):