Metellus

Family: Romans · Role: Roman envoy · First appears: Book 7 · Chapter 8

In Book 7, Chapter 8, Metellus and his colleagues came from Rome on an embassy to investigate charges against Philip (son of Demetrius), not to stir up war with him. In Chapter 13, Metellus’s Roman army swiftly ended the revolt of Andriscus in Macedonia. He also instructed envoys to urge the Achæan leaders, including Damocritus and Diæus, to refrain from war with Sparta and await Roman arbitrators.

In Chapter 15, Metellus called on cities to leave the Achæan League, promising there would be no Roman anger over earlier disobedience. Near Scarphea, his army defeated the retreating Achæans, killing many and taking about a thousand alive; Critolaus was not seen alive afterward. At Chæronea, Roman forces cut down the returning Arcadian troops. At Thebes, Metellus ordered Pytheas brought before him, and Pytheas was executed. The Megarians surrendered their town without a fight. Metellus had hurried to reach the campaign before Mummius, but in Chapter 16 Mummius took command and sent Metellus and his forces back to Macedonia.