A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

3. One of the envoys of Antiochus the Great to Rome in B. C. 193, on which occasion, however, the negotiation failed in consequence of the demands of the Romans. (Liv. 34.57_59; App. Syr. 6.) [HEGESIANAX.] In B. C. 192, Menippus was sent by Antiochus as ambassador to the Aetolians, whom he stimulated to war with Rome by magnifying the power and resources of his master. In the same year Antiochus placed him in command of 3000 men to aid in intercepting all succours sent to Chalcis in Euboea by Eumenes II. of Pergamus and the Achaeans, who contrived, however, to throw aid into the town before the passage thither by sea and land had been barred by the Syrian forces. But, after Menippus had occupied the road to Antis, 500 Roman soldiers, also destined for the relief of Chalcis, arrived, and found themselves obliged to turn aside to Delium. Here, in spite of the sanctity of the place, they were suddenly attacked by Menippus, and were all slain except about fifty, whom he captured. (Liv. 35.32, 33, 50, 51; comp. Diod. Exc. de Virt. et Vit. p. 574; App. Syr. 15.)

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