Amynander of Athamania

Who is Amynander of Athamania?

Amynander or Amynandros, king of Athamanians in south Epirus, first appears in history as mediator between Philip V of Macedon and the Aetolians.

When the Romans were about to wage war on Philip, they sent ambassadors to Amynander to inform him of their intention. On the commencement of the war he came to the camp of the Romans and promised them assistance: the task of bringing over the Aetolians to an alliance with the Romans was assigned to him.

In 198 BC he took the towns of Phoca and Gomphi, and ravaged Thessaly. He was present at the conference between Flamininus and Philip, and during the short truce was sent by the former to Rome. He was again present at the conference held with Philip after the battle of Cynoscephalae. On the conclusion of peace he was allowed to retain all the fortresses which he had taken from Philip. In the war which the Romans, supported by Philip, waged with Antiochus III.

Amynander was induced by his brother-in-law, Philip of Megalopolis, to side with Antiochus, to whom he rendered active service. But in 191 BC he was driven from his kingdom by Philip, and fled with his wife and children to Ambracia. The Romans required that he should be delivered up, but their demand was not complied with, and with the assistance of the Aetolians he recovered his kingdom. He sent ambassadors to Rome and to the Scipio in Asia, to treat for peace, which was granted him. He afterwards induced the Ambraciots to surrender to the Romans. He married Apama, the daughter of Alexander of Megalopolis. Respecting his death we have no accounts.