Athens successfully broke free from Macedonian control in 287 BC with aid from Pyrrhus of Epirus, ending Demetrius I's direct rule over the city.
Key Facts
- Year of siege
- 287 BC
- Athenian strategos
- Olympiodorus
- Athenian losses at Mouseion Hill
- 13 men
- Athenian negotiator
- Crates (philosopher)
- Outcome for Athens
- Freed from Macedonian garrison
- Key ally
- Pyrrhus, king of Epirus
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Athens revolted against the rule of King Demetrius I of Macedon in 287 BC, electing Olympiodorus as strategos. He led Athenian citizens, including old men and children, to attack the Macedonian garrison at Mouseion Hill, capturing it with minimal losses, which prompted Demetrius to mobilize remaining forces and place Athens under siege.
Demetrius I gathered forces from cities still under his control and besieged Athens. The Athenians sent the philosopher Crates to negotiate terms with Demetrius. Simultaneously, they appealed to Pyrrhus of Epirus for military assistance. Pyrrhus arrived with his army behind Demetrius, threatening his position and forcing him to abandon the siege.
Under the resulting treaty, Demetrius retained certain fortresses in Attica but was compelled to withdraw the Macedonian garrison from Athens itself. Pyrrhus was welcomed into the city and celebrated as a liberator, marking a significant shift in power in the region and weakening Demetrius I's hold over Greece.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Olympiodorus, Pyrrhus of Epirus.
Side B
1 belligerent
Demetrius I of Macedon.