ACHAIAN LEAGUE Meaning and
Definition
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The Achaian League was an ancient Greek political and military alliance that flourished from the 3rd until the 2nd century BCE. The league was initially formed by 12 city-states located in the northern Peloponnese region of Greece, known collectively as Achaia. The purpose of the league was to provide a united front against external threats, particularly the expanding power of the Macedonians under Philip II and his son Alexander the Great.
The League operated on a democratic system, with each member city-state having equal representation and voting rights within the league's assembly. Decisions were made collectively, and a federal council was established to oversee military affairs and resolve disputes among member states. The League also had a common treasury that financed military campaigns and other common projects.
The Achaian League reached its peak under the leadership of Philopoemen in the mid-2nd century BCE. During this time, the league expanded its influence and successfully defended against multiple invasions. However, with the rise of the Roman Republic as a dominant force in the Mediterranean, the league faced increasing pressure and eventually fell under Roman control in 146 BCE.
The Achaian League played an important role in the history of ancient Greece, representing a collective effort by independent city-states to safeguard their autonomy and protect their interests against external forces. It serves as an example of early Greek federalism and the attempt to establish a united front in the face of geopolitical challenges.
