Chapter XXXVI - The Pergamenian War (69 BC)
A. The situation in Asia (112 - 71 BC)
The 40 years since the Greek War were considerable stable years for Asia in terms of the lack of open hostilities. But although Egypt and the Seleucid Empire were Allies, the relation between these two realms remained ambivalent. The apple of discord between these states was Osroene, a small country in today`s Syria. Although nominally independent, it was occupied by Egypt and Seleucian forces for decades, with neither side gaining a significant advantage to finally seize the whole country.
This "cold war", among other problems, was a political burden, that weighed heavily on the shoulders of the Seleucid Empire. Even more important was the dynastic situation, that haunted the realm. In 73 BC, Zoticus II. Aratid was Basileus for two years and experienced severe domestic unrest due to the allegedly suspicious circumstances concerning his succession to the throne.
(185)
In a short period of time, some Governors at the peripheral areas took the opportunity to declare their independence, while Zoticus had to deploy all its forces in the heartland of the empire to maintain order and the status quo in Osroene. To the east, where the Parthians had established themselves as constant threat, a new so-called Parthian state, the Parthian League, evolved. Then, in late 72 BC, Eumenes Attalid, Governor of Pergamon and distant relative of the last Pergamon King
(186), declared the independence of the territories administered by him and proclaimed himself King of Pergamon.
Fig. 39: Asia in 72 BC
Seleucia`s allies, especially Pontus, tried to subdue this new realm, but couldn`t succeed to destroy. Eventually, Seleucia had to sign a rather blameful peace treaty, since it lacked the forces to get its will. It had to acknowledge Pergamon`s independence, while Pergamon had to cede Phrygia to Pontus. Thus, Seleucia lost nearly all its influence in Asia Minor besides an exclave in Galatia, while Pontus further increased its position.
B. Cause of the conflict (70 BC)
Rome naturally monitored the course of events with mistrust. The expansion of Pontus` influence in Asia Minor wasn`t in Rome`s interest. On the other hand was Eumenes` secession from the Seleucid Empire an opportunity to finally gain a foothold on Asian soil and a base for future campaigns versus Pontus.
In late 70 BC, about one year after the peace with Carthage
(187), Rome delivered a probably fabricated document, the so-called "Donation of Attalid", to Eumenes. According to this document, Philetaerus Attalid, being about 60 years old and childless, appointed in 280 BC the Roman Republic as the heir of his realm after his death. Rome demanded from Eumenes, being Philetaerus` legal successor, to resign and cede Pergamon to the Republic. Eumenes outrageously refused. Shortly after, the war between the Republic and Pergamon began.
C. Progress
The Pergamenian War was extremely short. Rome, being aware, that Eumenes would not bend to Rome`s demands, had already embarked the VII., XV. and XVI. Legion.
This force landed near Halicarnassus in late January 69 BC. Halicarnassus, as all former Seleucian cities along the Asian coast, had only light fortifications. Confronted with Rome`s superior forces, the local commander immediately surrendered. Less than a month later, Ephesus opened its gates for the advancing roman army. In late March, Rome`s Legions appeared near Pergamon itself.
Eumenes realised, that his own force was no match for the battle-hardened Legionaries and decided to start negotiations to prevent the complete destruction of his realm. Just a few days later, Eumenes agreed to cede the provinces of Caria and Lydia to Rome.
Fig. 40: Greece and Asia Minor in late 69 BC
(Roman numerals: Legionary camps)
D. Results
The Pergamenian War was remarkable for various reasons.
First of all the "Donation of Attalid", although it was most probably a falsification, indicated, that Rome did not want to further intrude into Hellenic territory without any cause to disguise or ennoble its true motivation. This indicates, that Rome`s relation to the Hellenic culture is completely different than to the Phoenician. Rome tried to expand while keeping good relations to the local population and rulers, as seen in the peaceful capture of Ephesus and Halicarnassus and the mild peace conditions toward Eumenes, who was left in power for the time being
(188).
More importantly the war largely improved Rome`s strategic position. With two new bases in the east, it finally controlled all approaches to the Aegean Sea. Additionally the new territories bordered as well Egyptian as Pontic territory. There can be no doubt, that Rome intended to further expand into Asia Minor. Most obvious evidence for such a claim is the designation of the new Legion stationed in Ephesus: the Legio XVIII Pontica.
(185) He inherited the realm from his grandfather Zoticus I. Aratid (called "the Just"), since his father, the apparent Heir, was suddenly assassinated, when Zoticus reached adulthood. Although there is no evidence, most Historians assume, that Zoticus at least tolerated it, since his efforts to detect and punish the perpetrators were rather limited.
(186) Philetaerus Attalid , who lost his Kingdom to Pontus in 272 BC.
(187) There is a consensus, that Rome did wait some time to initiate hostilities with Pergamon in order to replenish the decimated XV. Legion after its African campaign.
(188) This cannot hide the fact, that Rome could fabricate another cause for war to bring down Eumenes at any time.