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.

After his death, his vast empire, stretching from Greece to the Hindu Kush, was geographically fragmented into what would become known as the Ptolemaic Empire, the Seleucid Empire, and the Antigonid Empire. The latter empire, also known as the Macedonian Empire, was led by King Philip V from 221 B.C. to 179 B.C. After 197 B.C, however, that kingdom shrank significantly.

Tetradrachm of Philip V of Macedon. Classical Numismatic Group, Inc./CC BY-SA 2.5

Of those empires, the Antigonid Empire was the first of the three to fall to the Romans. Van der Enden’s book demonstrates the road to that demise, which would arrive nearly three decades after Cynoscephalae.

A Converging Narrative

“Cynoscephalae: 197 B.C.” is a clear and concise work of ancient military history that makes use of maps, illustrations, geographical photos, as well as references to the ancient historical works of Livy, Plutarch, and Polybius, among others. There is, of course, the addition of modern discoveries about the geography, military tactics, and the military weapons and armor. Van der Enden, also, in several instances, referred his “personal communications” with fellow historians to answer questions about the battle.

The historical narrative presents a declining power, the Antigonid Empire, that is capable now of only defeating local, smaller enemies. The Roman Republic became the rising power as it eliminated foes and extended its political and military reach, especially after having dispensed with its peer rival, the Carthaginians. Shortly after the Battle of Zama in 202 B.C. and the defeat of Carthage, Rome set its sights on Macedon.

Although several Roman military leaders (consuls) succeeded against Philip V and his armies, they proved incapable of producing a decisive victory. That is, until the newly elected consul, Titus Quinctius Flamininus, arrived. As the book indicates, Flamininus pressed the issue against Philip V so feverishly that it resulted in total victory, though during the decisive battle at Cynoscephalae, it proved a rather close thing. As mentioned, the shadow of a recently defeated empire came into play during this battle.

A Worthy Read

Carthage had introduced war elephants in their conflict against Rome. After the Battle of Zama, the Carthaginians were forced to relinquish their war elephants to the Romans. It was during the Battle of Cynoscephalae, according to Van Der Enden, that the Romans first used war elephants, and they proved to be the deciding factor. The adoption of war elephants by the Romans from the Carthaginians is an example of how military technologies and weapons evolve.

It is an engaging work not only for its description of numerous battle scenes, but also for its insightful historical analyses. The illustrated military maps prove very helpful in following the movements of the competing armies. Van der Enden provided plenty of detail on the soldiers and how they possibly maneuvered in battle. However, historians are still uncertain about how groups like the Greek phalanx or the Roman triplex acies (or battle formations) fully worked on the battlefield.

I found the book an easy read, full of good information, and presented in a way that not only made sense for the era it was describing, but also, as mentioned earlier, as a microcosm into the world of rising and falling empires, and the military methods thereof. A worthy read for anyone looking to add to their knowledge of the rise of Rome and their understanding of the inevitability of great powers.

’Cynoscephalae: 197 B.C.’ By Mark van der Enden and Marco Capparoni Osprey Publishing: June 17, 2025 Paperback, 96 pages

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