Rome, Macedonians, and the Convergence of Rising and Falling Empires

Mark Van Der Enden’s new study, “Cynoscephalae: 197 BC,” demonstrates the evolution of imperial might and decline.

This release a clear and concise work of ancient military history that makes use of maps, illustrations, and geographical photos.

The battle of Cynoscephalae in the year 197 B.C. between King Philip V of Macedon and the Roman Republic is a microcosm that captures the decline of an empire, the rise of another, and the shadow of another empire that had recently fallen. Through Mark van der Enden’s new study of the battle, we witness how Macedon, numerous Greek cities, Rome, and even Carthage converged.

Van der Enden’s “Cynoscephalae: 197 B.C.” begins with a brief overview of the military conflicts that raged along the North African coast and the Greek mainland. The Illyrian War, the Hellenistic Social War, and the Punic Wars scrambled the powers of the day. After Carthage’s victory in the First Punic War, it was defeated in the Second, quite decisively, after the Battle of Zama, which pitted the famous Carthaginian general, Hannibal Barca, and the Roman general, Scipio Africanus (the younger), against each other. Interestingly, as the author noted, King Philip V of Macedon sided with the Carthaginians in the battle.

Antigonid Empire

At the time of the Second Punic War, Rome was focused on the great seapower, Carthage. Macedonia, a power well known throughout the Mediterranean, was one with a rich history due to the renowned Macedonian, Alexander the Great. This power, however, was a shell of itself after Alexander’s death in 323 B.C.