Titus Quinctius Flamininus
Titus Quinctius Flamininus was a prominent Roman general and statesman who played a significant role in the Roman expansion into Greece during the late 3rd century BCE. Elected consul in 198 BCE, he was given military command against Philip V of Macedonia, utilizing his strong understanding of Greek culture and diplomatic skills to garner support from various Greek states opposed to Macedonian rule. Flamininus achieved a notable victory at the Battle of Cynoscephalae in 197 BCE, which paved the way for the declaration of Greek liberty in 196 BCE. His efforts included reorganizing the administration of Greek cities and establishing a system of clientage that fostered ties between Rome and Greece. Flamininus was honored extensively for his contributions, including the issuance of coins featuring his likeness, marking a rare recognition of a living Roman on currency. His legacy includes a commitment to Greek liberty, which was invoked by Romans in later conflicts, as well as his involvement in subsequent military actions against Antiochus the Great. However, his demand for the extradition of Hannibal led to controversy and public discontent in Rome following Hannibal's suicide in 182 BCE. Flamininus' actions reflect a complex interplay of Roman political interests and cultural engagement with Greece.
Titus Quinctius Flamininus
- Born: c. 229 b.c.e.
- Birthplace: Rome, Italy
- Died: 174 b.c.e.
- Place of death: Rome, Italy
Related civilizations: Republican Rome, Hellenistic Greece
Major role/position: General, politician
Life
On being elected consul (198 b.c.e.), Titus Quinctius Flamininus (TIT-uhs KWIHNK-shee-uhs flam-uh-NEE-nuhs) was entrusted with military command in the war against Philip V of Macedonia. His good knowledge of Greek culture and negotiation skills allied to him many Greek states that were resentful of Philip’s power. After negotiations with Philip failed, he defeated Philip in the Battle of Cynoscephalae (197 b.c.e.) and proclaimed the liberty of the Greeks (196 b.c.e.). Together with a special senatorial commission, he reorganized the administration of Greek cities. The latter offered him numerous honors, including those associated with divinity, put up his statue at Rome, and issued a coin with his portrait (the earliest known image of a living Roman on a coin).
His slogan of Greek liberty was used by the Romans in the wars against the Spartan tyrant Nabis (195-193 b.c.e.) and Antiochus the Great (192-188 b.c.e.). He took part in the negotiations with, and the war against, Antiochus and in the subsequent organization of affairs in Greece. His demand to the Bithynian king Prusias to extradite Hannibal led to the latter’s suicide (182 b.c.e.), causing a public outcry in Rome.
Influence
Flamininus embodied a Roman philhellene who remained conscious of Rome’s political interests. He is credited with establishing the system of clientela (clientage) of the Greeks to Rome and laying the foundations for the later cooperation between Roman politicians and Greek intellectuals.
Bibliography
Gruen, Erich S. The Hellenistic World and the Coming of Rome. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1984.
Montagu, John Drogo. Battles of the Greek and Roman Worlds. Mechanicsburg, Pa.: Stackpole, 2000.