Demetrius I Poliorcetes secured the throne of Macedon, beginning the Antigonid dynasty’s direct rule in Macedonia (traditionally dated from 294 BCE).
Demetrius I lost control of Macedon when rival kings, including Lysimachus and Pyrrhus, forced him out, interrupting Antigonid rule on the ground while the dynasty’s claim persisted.
After further campaigning, Demetrius surrendered to Seleucus I (a key turning point that left the dynasty without its founder and elevated the importance of his son Antigonus).
Antigonus II Gonatas defeated Gallic forces near Lysimachia, a success that boosted his standing and helped him secure Macedonian recognition as king.
After renewed contests and setbacks, Antigonus II is conventionally counted as ruling from 276 BCE, marking the durable restoration of Antigonid control over Macedon.
A coalition led by Athens and Sparta, supported by Ptolemaic Egypt, fought Antigonid Macedon; the Macedonian victory reinforced Antigonid influence over Greece.
Demetrius II (Demetrius ‘Aetolicus’) became king following Antigonus II’s death, inheriting a Macedonian kingdom deeply entangled in Greek interstate politics.
On Demetrius II’s death, Antigonus III Doson was appointed guardian of the young heir Philip, positioning him to stabilize the monarchy and manage external threats.
Antigonus III Doson ultimately assumed the kingship (after a period as guardian), restoring effective leadership before Philip V’s long reign.
Antigonus III, leading a Macedonian–Achaean coalition, defeated Sparta under Cleomenes III at Sellasia, ending Sparta’s long independence as a major power.
Philip V became king after Antigonus III’s death (summer 221 BCE), inaugurating a reign marked by ambitious Greek policy and escalating conflict with Rome.
In the decisive battle of the Second Macedonian War, Roman forces under Titus Quinctius Flamininus defeated Philip V, sharply curbing Macedonian power beyond its core territory.
Perseus became king upon Philip V’s death, and his diplomacy and alliances in Greece heightened Roman suspicion and tensions.
Rome and Macedon went to war (171–168 BCE) after a breakdown in relations with Perseus, culminating in Rome’s final confrontation with the Antigonid monarchy.
Rome’s victory over Perseus at Pydna (22 June 168 BCE) ended the Antigonid line’s rule; the Macedonian monarchy was abolished and the kingdom was reorganized under Roman dominance.
Antigonid Dynasty in Macedonia (294–168 BCE)
