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The Battle of Rhamnus was a battle of the Lamian War (323-322 BC) fought between the Athenians and the Macedonian forces under the command of Leonnatus, the Macedonian satrap of Phrygia, who had come to aid the regent Antipater who was being besieged by the Athenians in Lamia. Macedonians were defeated in the battle.

The Athenians, on hearing news of Leonnatus's advance, lifted the siege of Lamia and detached their baggage train and camp followers and advanced with their army with the aim of defeating Leonnatus before Antipater's forces could join him. The two armies were equal in number but the Athenians' 3,500 horsemen, including an elite 2,000 Thessalians commanded by Menon, against the Macedonians' 1,500 horse gave the advantage of mobility to the Athenians and their allies.

At the beginning of the battle, the Macedonian phalanx gained the advantage, however the Thessalians drove off the Macedonian cavalry and Leonnatus was carried from the battlefield mortally wounded. After their cavalry was driven back, the now unsupported Macedonian phalanx retreated from the plain to more difficult terrain where the enemy cavalry could not pursue them.

The next day Antipater arrived at the field and joined with the defeated Macedonian army. He decided not to fight the Athenians and their allies yet, in view of their superior cavalry, and instead retreated through the rough terrain.

References

1. Siculus, Diodorus. "14". Library. Vol. XVIII.
2. ^ Siculus, Diodorus. "15". Library. Vol. XVIII.

• Battles of the Lamian War
• Battles involving Macedonia (ancient kingdom)
• 322 BC
• Battles in Hellenistic Thessaly