Demetrius Before the Senate
IN the 149th Olympiad a greater number of embassies came to Rome from Greece than were
149th Olympiad, B.C. 184-180. |
almost ever seen before. For as Philip was
compelled by treaty to submit disputes with
his neighbours to arbitration, and as it was known that the
Romans were willing to receive accusations against Philip,
and would secure the safety of those who had
controversies with him, all who lived near the
frontier of Macedonia came to Rome, some in
their private capacity, some from cities, others
from whole tribes, with complaints against Philip.
Coss. P. Claudius Pulcher, L. Porcius Licinus, B.C. 184. |
At the
same time also came ambassadors from Eumenes, accompanied by his brother Athenaeus, to accuse Philip in regard
to the Thracian cities and the aid sent to Prusias. Philip's
son, Demetrius, also came to make answer to all these various
envoys, accompanied by Apelles and Philocles, who were at
that time considered the king's first friends. Ambassadors
also came from Sparta, representatives of each faction of the
citizens.
The first summoned to the Senate was Athenaeus, from whom
B.C. 183, Coss. M. Claudius Marcellus Q. Fabius Labeo. |
the Senate accepted the compliments of fifteen
thousand gold pieces, and passed a decree highly
extolling Eumenes and his brothers for their
answer, and exhorting them to continue in the
same mind. Next the praetors called upon all the accusers
of Philip, and brought them forward by one embassy at a
time. But as they were numerous, and their entry occupied
three days, the Senate became embarrassed as to the settlement to be made in each case. For from Thessaly there
were ambassadors from the whole nation, and also from each
city separately; so also from the Perrhaebians, Athamanians,
Epirotes, and Illyrians. And of these some brought cases of
dispute as to territory, slaves, or cattle; and some about contracts or injuries sustained by themselves. Some alleged that
they could not get their rights in accordance with the treaty,
because Philip prevented the administration of justice; while
others impeached the justice of the decisions given, on the
ground that Philip had corrupted the arbitrators. And, in
fact, there was an inextricable confusion and multiplicity of
charges.