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Macedonia

Philip V
220-179 BCE

Philip V was the son of King Demetrius II (239-229 BCE). When Philip V was nine years old, his father died in the battle against the Dardanians. Antigonus Doson (cousin of Demetrius II) assumed regency but took the title of king and ruled till his death in 221 BCE. Philip V was  eighteen when he assumed the responsibilities of regal power. He achieved considerable renown as a leader in the 'Social War' of 220-217 BCE. However, he made a strategic mistake of taking up arms against the Romans in Illyria and making a treaty with Hannibal in 215 BCE. This resulted in Roman general Flamininus defeating Phiip V at the battle of Cynoscephalae in Thessaly  (197 BCE).  Under the terms of the peace treaty,  Philip V had to pay one thousand talents war indemnity and surrender his fleet including his younger son Demetrius. He died at Amphipolis in 179 BCE after 40 years of rule.  Perseus his elder son succeeded him on the throne.

Philip V coins show his portrait without divine characteristics for the first time in the history of Macedonian coinage. The  Silver didrachms by Philip V were issued in the final decade of his reign.  In 197 BC, Philip V granted the privilege of autonomous coinage to the main cities (Thessaloniki, Amphipolis, and Pella), various administrative districts ( Amfaxitis and Bottiaea ), and the Confederacy (Koinon) of the Macedonians.
 

Silver didrachm of Philip V. 220-179 BCE.
  Obverse: Diademed head of Philip V.
Reverse: Oak wreath around club and legend BASILEWS / FILIPPOU and monograms
Reference: Boston 718 variant.



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RK. June 30, 2002