Sep 27, 2026 · 37 min · 10 segments
Following the aftermath of Pydna in 167, the Attalid dynasty in Pergamon enjoyed the next three decades as the most preeminent Greek power in the Aegean while competing with neighboring powers like…
Perseus' downfall and the subsequent breakup of the Macedonian realm would normally be a cause for celebration for King Eumenes II, who had enjoyed a great deal of support from the Romans since first taking the throne three decades earlier.
But during the war, Eumenes had entertained the notion of brokering a peace with Macedonia in return for a large payment.
Such an incident may have been mere rumor and gossip, but to the Roman Senate, who became bogged down in a conflict with an opponent who proved to be more stubborn than anticipated, largely in defense of a longtime ally, this was a huge slap in the face.
Perhaps sensing that the relationship had changed, Eumenes sailed to Italy in late 167 to make an in-person appearance and request assistance against the Galatians who were causing trouble for his kingdom.
Rather than rolling out the red carpet, the king was met in Brundisium by a Roman quaestor and told that he was not welcome in Rome unless he had serious cause.
An exceptional change in attitudes, and it went further than that.
Eumenes' brother Attalus also visited earlier in the year, but was treated far more cordially and was paid all the appropriate honors.
Polybius of Megalopolis even alleges that a number of senators tried to convince Attalus to stake out his own claim to the kingship, seeing him as a much more trustworthy ally than his older sibling.
The temptation was certainly there.
Attalus took the throne when a false report of Eumenes' assassination in 171 made its way back to Pergamon, but like in that earlier instance, he chose fraternal harmony and declined the offer after some deliberation.
Polybius repeatedly voiced his disapproval of the whole affair, believing that the Republic did their longtime ally a great insult and suspected they plotted to undermine the Attalid dynasty.
In a letter allegedly penned by Mithridates VI of Pontus, that ferociously anti-Roman king accused the Republic of making Eumenes their personal custodian of the lands formerly held by Antiochus, only then to berate and humiliate him when it was most convenient.
Such a source is not unproblematic given the author and his purpose, but one cannot deny the broad strokes of what he's getting across.
However, one cannot also blame the Republic for becoming angry about Eumenes' conduct during the war, for even Polybius admits that their suspicion was not unfounded, as the man had a noted history of opportunistically politicking for his own benefit whenever possible.
Meanwhile, the Pergamene kingdom faced immediate problems on its doorstep.
Attacks by the Galatians were widespread, apparently emboldened by the Republic's dismissal of Eumenes.
The fighting was severe and strained the resources of the realm.
Mercenaries were recruited from throughout Asia Minor, some of which required negotiating with local powerholders to get them to fight on the king's behalf, offering royal privileges and exemptions from taxation.
At least one city, that of Amlada in Pisidia, tried to take advantage of the chaos and rebel, an act which earned it a hefty fine and was forced to send hostages once Adelaide's authority was restored.
Despite their misgivings, the Romans did make an attempt to intercede in 167 by sending a commission to the Galatian leadership, urging them to refrain from attacking Eumenes, but it accomplished little.
Soter was eventually able to subdue the Galatians in 166 after defeating them in a battle, bringing his conflict to an end and enjoying the remaining years of his reign in relative peace.
Perseus' downfall and the subsequent breakup of the Macedonian realm would normally be a cause for celebration for King Eumenes II, who had enjoyed a great deal of support from the Romans since first taking the throne three decades earlier.
But during the war, Eumenes had entertained the notion of brokering a peace with Macedonia in return for a large payment.
Such an incident may have been mere rumor and gossip, but to the Roman Senate, who became bogged down in a conflict with an opponent who proved to be more stubborn than anticipated, largely in defense of a longtime ally, this was a huge slap in the face.
Perhaps sensing that the relationship had changed, Eumenes sailed to Italy in late 167 to make an in-person appearance and request assistance against the Galatians who were causing trouble for his kingdom.
Rather than rolling out the red carpet, the king was met in Brundisium by a Roman quaestor and told that he was not welcome in Rome unless he had serious cause.
An exceptional change in attitudes, and it went further than that.
Eumenes' brother Attalus also visited earlier in the year, but was treated far more cordially and was paid all the appropriate honors.
Polybius of Megalopolis even alleges that a number of senators tried to convince Attalus to stake out his own claim to the kingship, seeing him as a much more trustworthy ally than his older sibling.
The temptation was certainly there.
Attalus took the throne when a false report of Eumenes' assassination in 171 made its way back to Pergamon, but like in that earlier instance, he chose fraternal harmony and declined the offer after some deliberation.
Polybius repeatedly voiced his disapproval of the whole affair, believing that the Republic did their longtime ally a great insult and suspected they plotted to undermine the Attalid dynasty.
In a letter allegedly penned by Mithridates VI of Pontus, that ferociously anti-Roman king accused the Republic of making Eumenes their personal custodian of the lands formerly held by Antiochus, only then to berate and humiliate him when it was most convenient.
Such a source is not unproblematic given the author and his purpose, but one cannot deny the broad strokes of what he's getting across.
However, one cannot also blame the Republic for becoming angry about Eumenes' conduct during the war, for even Polybius admits that their suspicion was not unfounded, as the man had a noted history of opportunistically politicking for his own benefit whenever possible.
Meanwhile, the Pergamene kingdom faced immediate problems on its doorstep.
Attacks by the Galatians were widespread, apparently emboldened by the Republic's dismissal of Eumenes.
The fighting was severe and strained the resources of the realm.
Mercenaries were recruited from throughout Asia Minor, some of which required negotiating with local powerholders to get them to fight on the king's behalf, offering royal privileges and exemptions from taxation.
At least one city, that of Amlada in Pisidia, tried to take advantage of the chaos and rebel, an act which earned it a hefty fine and was forced to send hostages once Adelaide's authority was restored.
Despite their misgivings, the Romans did make an attempt to intercede in 167 by sending a commission to the Galatian leadership, urging them to refrain from attacking Eumenes, but it accomplished little.
Soter was eventually able to subdue the Galatians in 166 after defeating them in a battle, bringing his conflict to an end and enjoying the remaining years of his reign in relative peace.
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