Perseus of Macedon

Perseus of Macedon was the last king of the Macedonian Empire, ruling from 179 to 168 BCE. He was the son of King Philip V and sought to restore Macedonian power against the rising influence of Rome. His reign was marked by military conflicts, particularly the Macedonian Wars. In 168 BCE, he faced a decisive defeat at the Battle of Pydna against Roman General Lucius Aemilius Paullus, leading to the end of Macedonian independence. After his defeat, Perseus was captured and taken to Rome, where he lived in captivity until his death, symbolizing the decline of Macedonian power.