157 BC

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Contents

Events

By place

Roman Republic

Syria

Births

Deaths

Events

By place

Roman Republic

★ The Carthaginians, prevented by their treaty with Rome from engaging in armed resistance, but equally guaranteed against any loss of territory, appeal to Rome against the depredations of King Masinissa of Numidia. The Roman censor Marcus Porcius Cato heads a commission which arbitrates a truce between Carthage and her former ally, Masinissa.

★ During his time in Carthage, Cato is so struck by the evidence of Carthaginian prosperity that he is convinced that the security of Rome now depends on the annihilation of Carthage. From this time on, Cato keeps repeating the cry: "Ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam." (Moreover, I advise that Carthage must be destroyed.)

★ After Ariarathes V has been deposed from the Cappadocian throne by the Seleucid king Demetrius I Soter and has fled to Rome, the new king of Cappadocia, Orophernes, sends two ambassadors to Rome to join the Seleucid emissaries of Demetrius in opposing Ariarathes V’s return to power. Despite their efforts, Ariarathes V is restored to his throne by the Romans. However, Rome allows Orophernes to reign jointly with him. The joint government, however, does not last long; with Ariarathes V becoming sole king of Cappadocia shortly afterwards.

Syria

★ Jonathan Maccabeus is recognised by the Seleucids as a minor king within their Syrian dominions.

Births

★ Gaius Marius, Rome general and politician who will be elected consul seven times. He will introduce major reforms to the Roman army, authorising recruitment of landless citizens and reorganising the structure of the legions. (d. 86 BC)

★ Sanatruces (also Sinatruces or Sanatruk), King of Parthia who ruled the Parthian Empire from around 77 BC . (Approximate date) (d. c. 70 BC)

Deaths

★ Emperor Wen of Han, emperor of the Han Dynasty in China from 180 BC. (b. 202 BC)