Andriscus

Andriscus, often referred to by ancient authors as Pseudo-Philip, was a Greek pretender who briefly revived the Macedonian monarchy in the mid-second century BC. Styling himself Philip VI, he claimed to be a son of Perseus—the last legitimate king of Macedon—and managed for a short time to restore Macedonian independence before being defeated by Rome in the Fourth Macedonian War. His turbulent rise and rapid fall mark the definitive end of the Macedonian kingdom and the beginning of Roman provincial rule in the region.

Origins and Early Life

The details of Andriscus’ birth and background are inconsistent in ancient sources, though most accounts describe him as originating from Adramyttium (modern Edremit) in Aeolis, western Anatolia. He was reputedly a fuller by trade and raised by a foster family of Cretan origin. According to his own narrative—dismissed as invention by ancient writers—his foster mother revealed at his maturity that he was the illegitimate son of Perseus, providing him with a sealed document allegedly written by the former king and revealing the locations of hidden royal treasures at Amphipolis and Thessalonica.
Although ancient authors unanimously label him an impostor, some modern scholars note that his physical resemblance to Perseus may have aided his claim, though the prevailing assessment maintains that he was most likely a charismatic opportunist rather than a genuine heir.

Claiming the Throne

Around 154–153 BC Andriscus left Pergamon for Syria, where he appealed to Demetrius I Soter, king of the Seleucid Empire, for support in reclaiming the Macedonian throne. His appearance generated considerable excitement among Seleucid subjects of Macedonian descent, many of whom harboured anti-Roman sentiment following Rome’s victory in the Third Macedonian War. Popular enthusiasm sparked disturbances in Antioch, but Demetrius, unwilling to provoke Rome, had Andriscus seized and sent to Rome.
In Rome he was treated with disdain, the Senate judging his claim frivolous. Considered harmless, he was exiled to an Italian town but escaped, making his way to Miletus, where he continued to attract curiosity and intermittent support. Roman envoys again dismissed him as inconsequential, inadvertently enabling his release and further activities.

Building Support: Ionia, Byzantium, and Thrace

Travelling through Ionia, Andriscus sought out individuals once connected to the Antigonid court. He secured the patronage of Kallipa, a former concubine of Perseus, who provided him with resources and likely directed him toward Thrace, where old loyalties to the Macedonian monarchy remained strong.
In Thrace he won the support of several chieftains, notably Teres III, related by marriage to Perseus’ family, and a leader named Barsabas. Their backing proved crucial: Andriscus was ceremonially crowned and supplied with Thracian troops, which he used to mount his campaign into Macedon.

Conquest of Macedon

His first incursion faltered, and initial Macedonian reaction was lukewarm. Yet he soon won a significant victory over Rome’s client republics in the borderlands and advanced into Macedon proper. Near the Strymon River he defeated pro-Roman forces, enabling him to enter Pella, the ancient capital, where he proclaimed himself King Philip VI around 150–149 BC.
His surprising successes galvanised anti-Roman sentiment. Although the aristocracy remained cautious or sceptical, many ordinary Macedonians welcomed the return of a monarchy, however tenuous, as an escape from Roman-imposed republican divisions.
Andriscus bolstered his credibility by “discovering” two hidden treasures where his purported royal document indicated, a feat that enhanced his standing among the populace even if the authenticity of the story remained doubtful.

The Fourth Macedonian War: Victory and Disaster

Determined to reassert Macedonian independence, Andriscus assembled a larger army and sought to reclaim Thessaly, long associated with Antigonid dominion. His early campaigns encountered resistance from Greek allies of Rome and from the remnants of Rome’s Macedonian republics.
Rome eventually responded decisively. A praetor, Publius Juventius Thalna, led a legion into Thessaly. Underestimating Andriscus, Thalna suffered a crushing defeat and was killed in battle—the most severe Roman setback in Macedon since the early Hellenistic wars.
This victory increased Andriscus’ prestige and even secured him an alliance with Carthage, then fighting Rome in the final phase of the Third Punic War. Domestically he suppressed factions sympathetic to Rome and consolidated control of Macedon and Thessaly.

Downfall and Capture

Despite his initial success, Andriscus lacked the organisational capacity and long-term resources to challenge Rome. In 148 BC Rome sent Quintus Caecilius Metellus with a more experienced force. Andriscus suffered defeats in successive engagements, retreated into Thrace, and attempted to rally support from his previous allies. They abandoned him, delivering him to the Romans.
Metellus brought Macedonia firmly under Roman control, and in 146 BC Andriscus was displayed in Metellus’ triumph before being executed. With his fall, Macedonian independence came to a permanent end.

Aftermath and Legacy

In the wake of Andriscus’ revolt, Rome organised the province of Macedonia, formalising its authority in the region. Compared with the brutal destruction of Corinth and Carthage in the same year, Macedonia escaped harsh reprisals. This relative leniency has led some scholars to suggest that support for Andriscus may not have been as widespread as traditionally believed, with many Macedonians preferring stability under moderate Roman rule.