Critolaus of Megalopolis

AncientGeneralAchaean League-170 — -146

Led the Achaean War against Rome, killed.

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Quick Facts

Born

170 BCE

Died

146 BCE

Country

Achaean League

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)45

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)46

Legacy (20%)36

Leadership (15%)57

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score42.8

Critolaus of Megalopolis — Complete Timeline

147 BC

Election as strategos of the Achaean LeaguePolitical Action◆ Major

Critolaus was elected strategos of the Achaean League, succeeding Diaeus. He continued the anti-Roman policy and escalated tensions with Rome, leading the League toward open conflict.

Achaean LeagueStrategosRome

Impact: regional

Refusal to submit to Roman demandsPolitical Action◆ Major

Critolaus refused Roman demands to disband the Achaean League and separate Sparta, Corinth, and other cities from it. This defiance led to the Roman declaration of war and the start of the Achaean War.

Achaean WarRomeDiplomacy

Impact: regionaldestructive

146 BC

Battle of ScarpheiaWar◆ Major

Critolaus led the Achaean army against the Roman forces of Metellus at Scarpheia in Locris. The Achaeans were routed, and Critolaus was killed in the battle. This defeat effectively ended Achaean resistance in central Greece.

Achaean WarBattleDeath

Impact: regionaltragic