The
Third Macedonian War (171–168 BC) was a war fought between
Rome and King
Perseus of Macedon. In 179 BC King
Philip V of
Macedon died and his talented and ambitious son, Perseus, took his throne. Perseus married Laodike, daughter of King Seleucus IV Keraunos of Asia, and increased the size of his army. He also made alliance treaties with
Epirus and several tribes of
Illyria and
Thrace, as well as enemies of Thracian tribes allied to Rome, such as the
Sapaei under
Abrupolis. He renewed former connections with some southern Greek city-states (
poleis). The king announced that he could carry out reforms in Greece and restore its previous strength and prosperity.