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146 BC

In the year 146 BC, a pivotal event marked the end of the Third Punic War between Rome and Carthage. This conflict began in 149 BC but was not formally concluded until this point.

The Roman Senate had been waging war against Carthage for three years, with Scipio Aemilianus leading the final assault on the city. On December 8, 147 BC (January 608 of the Roman calendar), Cnaeus Cornelius Lentulus and Lucius Mummius Achaicus began their consular term in Rome.

As the war drew to a close, tensions rose among Greek cities that had allied themselves with Carthage. The Achaean League, which controlled much of Greece, refused to submit to Roman authority despite Senate decrees from 147 BC. In response, Rome declared war on the league, sparking the Achaian War.

Metellus, then serving in Macedonia, attempted to negotiate a peace treaty before Consul Mummius arrived. However, his efforts were unsuccessful, and he was eventually defeated by the Achean League at the Battle of Scarpheus in Locride. Critolaos, a prominent leader of the league, fell during this battle.

The Achaean League's defeat led to its dissolution, with Rome installing aristocratic leaders throughout Greece. The exception were Sparta, Athens, Delphi, and other cities that received federated status and were granted autonomy. All Greek cities, except for these exceptions, were required to pay tribute to Rome.

In September 146 BC, the Roman Senate ordered the sack and destruction of Corinth, which was subsequently defeated by Consul Mummius at the Battle of Corinth. This marked a significant turning point in the war, as it led to the dissolution of the Achaean League and the installation of Roman authority throughout Greece.

The aftermath of this conflict saw Rome establish itself as the dominant power in the Mediterranean. The province of Africa was created, with Utique serving as its capital. Central Greece had been lost by the Achaean League, which took refuge in the Peloponnese. Diaios, a strategist for the league, implemented extreme measures and terrorized his own people.

The Roman Senate sent commissions to both Achaia and Africa to settle the fate of these provinces and determine the status of newly acquired lands for public use. The Lusitanian War continued, with Viriathe attacking Carpetania