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

2. Son of Balacrus, one of the chief friends and counsellors of Perseus, king of Macedonia, by whom we find him employed on various important confidential occasions. Thus in B. C. 171 he was one of the hostages given by the king during his conference with the Roman deputy Q. Marcius, and subsequently one of the ambassadors sent to P. Licinius Crassus with proposals for peace: and three years later (B. C. 168) he was despatched to Gentius, king of Illyria, to secure the adherence of that monarch, at whose court he remained for some time, stimulating him to acts of open hostility against Rome, and urging him to throw his whole power into the contest in favour of Perseus. (Plb. 27.8, 29.2, 3; Liv. 42.39, 44.23.)

[E.H.B]