ABSTRACT
The third Macedonian war did not involve the Peloponnese directly; but the Romans took the opportunity to increase their hold over the league by deporting as hostages to Rome members of those families which had provided its leading statesmen, particularly those who had shown signs of independence, leaving Rome's supporters in charge. The challenge to Rome from within the Achaean league was led by Diaios, who became general in 150 bc. Rome was involved simultaneously in a war with Carthage and an armed rebellion in Macedon. At a meeting of the assembly of the league at Corinth a Roman commission led by L. Aurelius Orestes announced Rome's terms. Argos, Corinth, Sparta and Orchomenos were to be taken from the league. The Achaeans were merely incensed the more. Ten other Greek cities, including Argos, continued their separate existence under the general supervision of the Roman governor in Macedonia, eventually to be swept into the Roman province of Achaea.
