Philip V of Macedon, a member of the Antigonid dynasty, has devoted what is to be the last decade of his life to consolidating his kingdom, reorganizing finances, transplanting populations, reopening mines, and issuing central and local currencies.
Neighboring states constantly and successfully accuse him at Rome, however; his loyalty to Rome has gone unrewarded.
His territory continually chipped away as a result of Roman arbitration in disputes, he has focused his energies on reorganizing and expanding in the north, while possibly contemplating a war of revenge.
Becoming convinced that Rome intends to destroy him, he has extended his authority into the Balkans in three campaigns in 184, 183, and 181.
Rome's return of Philip’s son Demetrius has tragic consequences.
Demetrius during his years as a hostage had made senatorial friendships, which arouse suspicions at home that the Romans would prefer to see Demetrius succeed Philip, rather than his elder brother, Perseus.
Perseus had commanded troops in his father's wars against Rome in 199) and Aetolia in 189.
After three years of intriguing against his younger brother, Perseus, jealous of Demetrius' success as ambassador to Rome and accusing him of coveting the succession to the Macedonian throne and being allied to Rome, in 18 persuades Philip to have Demetrius poisoned as a potential usurper.
