The Battle of Lefkopetra, which took place in 146 BC at Lefkopetra in Corinth, was a decisive conflict between the Greeks of the Achaean League and the Romans. This battle marked the end of Greek independence and the dominance of the Roman Empire in Greece, laying the foundations for a new historical period.
The Battle of Lefkopetra was the culmination of the tensions that had been building up between the Achaean League and the Roman Republic. The Romans, having already prevailed in Macedonia and seeking to extend their influence in Greece, were confronted by the determination of the Greeks to maintain their autonomy. The ensuing conflict at Lefkopetra was destined to change the course of history and shape the future of the entire region.
The Events Before the Battle of Lefkopetra
The Battle of Lefkopetra was not an isolated event, but the culmination of a series of developments that shaped the political and military landscape of the period. Growing Roman influence in the region and internal strife in Greece set the scene for the inevitable conflict.
Roman rule in Macedonia
Roman expansion in Greece began with the defeat of the Macedonians at Pydna in 168 BC. The subjugation of Macedonia marked a new era of Roman rule, as the Romans sought to consolidate their power in the region. The surrender of 1,000 rebellious citizens of the Achaean League as hostages to the Romans by Callicrates the Achaean illustrates the growing tensions and deteriorating relations between the two powers.
The Tensions Between the Achaean League and Sparta
The return of the remaining hostages after 17 years of captivity and the rise of anti-Roman forces in the Achaean League sparked new conflicts. The war declared against Sparta, which had requested Rome’s help, was the occasion for the direct involvement of the Romans in the affairs of the Peloponnese.
Roman demands for the withdrawal of certain cities from the League and the refusal of the Achaeans to comply led to a first conflict at Scarphia, where the Achaean leader, Critolaus, suffered a crushing defeat. This development prompted Metellus, the Roman general, to advance decisively towards the Peloponnese, setting the stage for the upcoming confrontation.
According to Salmon’s (2016) analysis in his article “Corinth, Greek and Hellenistic”, the period before the Battle of Lefkopetra was characterized by increasing tension between the Achaean League and Rome. The Confederacy’s efforts to maintain its autonomy were at odds with Rome’s expansionist ambitions, creating an explosive mixture that inevitably led to conflict.
The assumption of the leadership of the Achaean League by Diao, a fanatical opponent of Rome, following the death of CritoLaurus, marked a crucial turning point. Diaetus, determined to resist Roman influence, prepared his forces for the great confrontation that was approaching, setting the stage for the Battle of Lefkopetra.
The development of the Battle
As the two armies assembled at Lefkopetra in Corinth, the atmosphere was charged with tension and anticipation. The Greeks, led by Diaphas, were determined to defend their freedom, while the Romans, led by Mommio, sought to assert their dominance. The chessboard was set up and the pieces were ready to move.
The Preparation and Disposition of the Opposing Armies
Diaphas, knowing the importance of preparation, made significant changes to his army. By freeing and recruiting 12,000 slaves, assembling 2,000 lightly armed warriors and 500 horsemen, the Greek general sought to strengthen his forces and offset the Roman numerical superiority. On the other hand, Mommius ordered his legions in the centre and his cavalry on the left flank, creating a dynamic line-up.
The Greek formation was equally impressive, with their left covered by the walls of Corinth, the phalanx of sarissos in the center, and a small cavalry force on the right flank. The two armies stood facing each other, ready to clash in a battle that would determine the future of Greece.
The Clashes and the Roman Domination
The first day passed without any movement by either army, as both sides showed caution and wariness. However, at night, Diaphas conducted a successful raiding operation against the Romans, taking them by surprise. Despite the initial panic, the Romans managed to repel the Greeks, showing their discipline and endurance.
At first light, the Romans launched a fierce attack with their infantry against the Greek column. The Greeks, with bravery and determination, managed to withstand the initial wave, repelling the repeated assaults of the enemy. The phalanx, with its long saris and excellent training, proved once again its effectiveness.
However, the numerical superiority of the Romans gradually began to tip the balance in their favour. Mommius, realising that the frontal attack was not yielding the expected results, ordered his cavalry to attack the flanks of the Greek line. This move proved decisive. Despite the brave resistance, the Greek cavalrymen were forced to retreat, leaving the flanks of the column exposed.
With the Greek center collapsing under the suffocating pressure and countless casualties, the battle came to its inevitable end. The Romans, taking advantage of their opponent’s disorder and disorganization, swept the Greeks, winning a decisive victory. The Battle of Lefkopetra was over, but its consequences were to shape the future of the entire region.
The consequences of the Battle of Lefkopetra
The Battle of Lefkopetra, with the overwhelming defeat of the Greeks, marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new reality. The consequences of the battle were immediate and long-lasting, affecting not only the political and military dynamics of the region, but also the very identity and legacy of Greek civilisation.
The Fall of Corinth and the sack of the City
After the defeat at Lefkopetra, the Achaeans, panicked and disorganized, abandoned the battlefield, seeking refuge in their homelands. Even the general Diaeus himself, instead of barricading himself behind the walls of Corinth and continuing the fight, chose to take his own life, leaving the city unprotected.
Taking advantage of the situation, Mommius led his legions into Corinth, subjecting the city to a violent siege. The looting that followed was merciless and destructive. The Romans, as Frey (2015) points out in his article “The Archaic Colonnade at Ancient Corinth: a Case of Early Roman Spolia”, even used architectural elements from Corinth as booty, incorporating them into their own buildings.
The city’s inhabitants faced a bleak future, with men executed, women and children sold as slaves, and Corinth’s cultural treasures looted and taken to Rome. The once-proud city surrendered to the flames, marking the final end of its independence.
The Incorporation of Greece into the Roman Sphere of Influence
The defeat at Lefkopetra and the fall of Corinth had important consequences for the whole of Greece. Although the Achaean League did not immediately become a Roman province, Roman influence gradually spread throughout the region. Corinth, as a symbol of Greek resistance, was declared ager publicus, public Roman land, preventing its reconstruction for more than a century.
The Battle of Lefkopetra marked the beginning of a new era for Greece, an era of Roman domination and influence. The Romans, having imposed their power, began to shape the political, economic and cultural landscape of the region according to their own interests and standards.
However, the Greek legacy was not completely lost. As James (2018) points out in Corinth VII. 7. Hellenistic Pottery.
The Battle of Lefkopetra was a turning point in the history of Greece, marking the end of an era of autonomy and the beginning of a period of Roman rule. Its consequences, both immediate and long-term, shaped the future of the region and left indelible marks on its history and culture.
Epilogue
The Battle of Lefkopetra is a pivotal event in the history of ancient Greece, marking the end of Greek independence and the beginning of Roman rule. The conflict between the Achaean League and Rome reflects the complex dynamics and changing balance of power of the time. Despite the heroic resistance of the Greeks, Roman military superiority proved decisive, leading to a crushing defeat with lasting consequences. The fall of Corinth and the gradual integration of Greece into the Roman sphere of influence marked a new era, shaping the political, economic and cultural landscape of the region. However, the Greek legacy survived, becoming a beacon of inspiration and a timeless symbol of the Greek spirit.
elpedia.gr
Bibliography
- Frey, J.M. (2015). the Archaic Colonnade at Ancient Corinth: a Case of Early Roman Spolia. american Journal of Archaeology, 119(2), 147-175. journals.uchicago.edu.
- James, S.A. (2018). corinth VII. 7. Hellenistic Pottery: the fine wares. princeton: American School of Classical Studies at Athens. cambridge.org.
- Salmon, J. (2016). corinth, Greek and Hellenistic. oxford research encyclopedia of classics. oxfordre.com.
