Situation in Illyria
It was at this same period that the Romans for the first
note
time crossed to Illyricum and that part of
Europe with an army. The history of this expedition must not be treated as immaterial; but must be carefully studied by those who wish to understand clearly the
story I have undertaken to tell, and to trace the progress and
consolidation of the Roman Empire.
Agron, king of the Illyrians, was the son of Pleuratus, and note
possessed the most powerful force, both by
land and sea, of any of the kings who had
reigned in Illyria before him. By a bribe received from
Demetrius he was induced to promise help to the Medionians,
who were at that time being besieged by the
Aetolians, who, being unable to persuade the
Medionians to join their league, had determined
to reduce the city by force. note They accordingly levied their
full army, pitched their camp under the walls of the city, and
kept up a continuous blockade, using every means to force
their way in, and every kind of siege-machine. But when
the time of the annual election of their Strategus drew near,
the besieged being now in great distress, and seeming likely
every day to surrender, the existing Strategus made an appeal
to the Aetolians. He argued that as he had had during
his term of office all the suffering and the danger, it was but
fair that when they got possession of the town he should have
the apportioning of the spoil, and the privilege of inscribing his
name on such arms as should be preserved for dedication.
This was resisted by some, and especially by those who were
candidates for the office, who urged upon the Assembly not to
prejudge this matter, but to leave it open for fortune to determine who was to be invested with this honour; and, finally, the
Aetolians decided that whoever was general when the city was
taken should share the apportioning of the spoils, and the
honour of inscribing the arms, with his predecessor.
