Demetrius II Aetolicus

Who was Demetrius II Aetolicus?

Demetrius II Aetolicus son of Antigonus Gonatas and Phila, reigned as king of Macedonia from the winter of 239 to 229 BC. He belonged to the Antigonid dynasty and was born in 275 BC.

He had already during his father's lifetime distinguished himself by defeating Alexander II of Epirus at Derdia and so saving Macedonia. There is a possibility that his father had already elevated him to position of power equal to his own before his death. If this had occurred it would be dated at 256 or 257 BC.

On his accession Demetrius had to face a coalition of enemies which included the two great leagues. Usually rivals, the Aetolian League and Achaean League, now became allies against the Macedonian power. He succeeded in dealing this coalition severe blows, wresting Boeotia from their alliance. The revolution in Epirus, which substituted a republican league for the monarchy, gravely weakened his position.

During his reign his kingdom extended to Euboea, Magnesia, Thessaly and its environs, excluding Dolopia and possibly Peparethos and Phthiotic Achaia.

In 236 BC he invaded Boetia, making the Boetians submit immediately.

In 234 BC due to the Federal Republic replacing the monarchy in Epirus led to the events of 231 BC, Demetrius hired Agron for military aid against advancing Aetolians. His kingdom was not threatened by the Illyrian Ardiaei ruled by Agron despite them having gathered the greatest force in their history, but Epirus needed some sort of force to deter them.