Alexander Isius

Who is Alexander Isius?

Alexander, surnamed Isius, the chief commander of the Aetolians, was a man of considerable ability and eloquence for an Aetolian. In 198 BC he was present at a colloquy held at Nicaea on the Maliac Gulf, and spoke against Philip V of Macedon, saying that the king ought to be compelled to quit Greece, and to restore to the Aetolians the towns which had formerly been subject to them. Philip, indignant at such a demand being made by an Aetolian, answered him in a speech from his ship. Soon after this meeting, he was sent as ambassador of the Aetolians to Rome, where, together with other envoys, he was to treat with the senate about peace, but at the same time to bring accusations against Philip. In 197 BC, Alexander again took part in a meeting, at which T. Quinctius Flamininus with his allies and king Philip were present, and at which peace with Philip was discussed. Alexander dissuaded his friends from any peaceful arrangement with Philip.