Changes

Attalus I made the bold move of aligning Pergamon with the Greek Aetolian League and Rome in 211 BC against Philip V of Macedon (ruled 238-179 BC) in the First Macedonian War (215-205 BC). Although Attalus I was able to temporarily take Euboea in Greece with Rome’s help, Philip V later sacked Pergamon in retaliation. <ref> King, Carol J. <i>Ancient Macedonia.</i> (London: Routledge, 2018), p. 116</ref>

Pergamon and Attalus I quickly rebounded from the attack, though, and went to war against Philip again in the Second Macedonian War (200-197 BC). In the second war, Pergamon aligned with Ptolemy V (ruled 203-181 BC) of Egypt to check Philip’s aggression. The two kings were able to persuade the Romans to once more declare war on the bellicose Macedonian monarch. <ref> King, p. 252</ref> Generally speaking, Attalus’ actions <i>vis à vis</i> Philip and Macedon were viewed favorably by the Greeks of the mainland. As a token of their respect for and friendship with Attalus I, the Athenians erected pillars in his name in their city. <ref> Papini, p. 43</ref> The friendship with mainland Greece and Rome and hostility toward Macedon that Attalus I established helped make Pergamon one of the most important cities in the region politically, so the policy was followed by his successor.