A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Φιλόφρων), a Rhodian, who was sent ambassador together with Theaetetus to the ten Roman deputies appointed to settle the affairs of Asia after the defeat of Antiochns, B. C. 189. They succeeded in obtaining the assignment of Lycia to the Rhodians as a reward for their services in the late contest (Plb. 23.3). At the commencement of the war between Rome and Perseus, the Rhodians were divided into two parties, the one disposed to favour the Macedonian king, the other to adhere closely to the Roman alliance. Philophron was one of the principal leaders of the latter; and we find him (together with Theaetetus) taking a prominent part in opposing all concessions to Perseus. But though in B. C. 169 they were still able to carry a decree for sending ambassadors to the senate at Rome, as well as to the consul Q. Marcius, to renews and strengthen the friendly relations between the two

powers, the ill success of the Roman arms in the ensuing campaign gave the preponderance to the Macedonian party, and the following year (B. C. 168) Philophron and Theaetetus were unable to prevent the favourable reception given to the ambassadors of Perseus and Gentius (Id. 27.11, 28.2, 14, 29.5). Embassies were then despatched by the Rhodians to the belligerent parties to endeavour to bring about a peace between them, a step which gave great offence to the Romans ; and after the victory of Aemilius Paulus, Philophron was despatched in all haste to Rome, toge-other with Astymedes, to deprecate the wrath of the senate. The ambassadors themselves were received with favour, but the Rhodians were deprived of the possession of Caria and Lycia, and compelled to withdraw their garrisons from Caunus and Stratoniceia. (Id. 30.4, 5, 19.)

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