Aemilius Paulus
(Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus)
229–160 BC
 |
| HIS PROGRESS WAS AS THAT OF A KING |
Aemilius Paulus Macedonicus was the son of the consul Aemilius Paulus who died at Cannae. He was a
well educated patrician, fluent in Greek, and like his colleague Flamininus, very respectful of
Greek culture. He was a competent general who had won victories in Italy against the Ligurians, but
became really distinguished in 168
B.
C. when he lead the Romans against Perseus, the King of Macedonia at Pydna
in 168
B.
C. The Romans had beaten Perseus's father, Philip V. of Macedonia, but had allowed him to
keep his crown, as an ally of Rome. Perseus, joining with some cities in Greece, had rebelled. The
Roman victory at Pydna permanently destroyed the power of Macedonia, and put all of Greece firmly
under Roman control.
Aemilius is most well known for his spectacular triumph, one of the greatest Rome had ever seen.
Ironically, however, two of the conqueror's young sons died within a month
of his great triumph. Aemilius was a friend of the Greco-Roman historian Polybius.
Key events during the life of Aemilius Paulus Macedonicus:
| Year |
Event |
| 182 BC |
First consulship. Conquered Inguani, tribe in northern Italy. |
| 171 BC |
Start of Third Macedonian War against Philip V's son Perseus. |
| 168 BC |
Second consulship. Led Rome to victory at Battle of Pydna; Greece fell under Roman protectorate. |
| 167 BC |
Glorious triumph is held in Rome, but two of Paulus's son's died within a month of the triumph. |
| 164 BC |
Elected Censor. |
Other Resources
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Polybius |
Taken as Greek hostage during Macedonian wars; historian of Punic Wars. |
| perseus2 |
|
| Flamininus |
Led Rome against Philip V in second Macedonian War. |
| Cato (the censor) |
Roman censor, urged destruction of Carthage before third Punic War. |