Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The battle that ended the Second Macedonian War (197 BC): "Cynoscephalae" refers to the decisive military engagement where the Roman Republic defeated King Philip V of Macedon, ending his hegemony over Greece.
   • The geographical location of this battle in Thessaly, Greece: "Cynoscephalae" also names the specific hills or fields in Thessaly where this historic battle was fought.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Battle of Cynoscephalae was a turning point in Roman expansion into the Hellenistic world.
  • Archaeologists are studying the terrain at Cynoscephalae to understand the tactics used.

Advanced Usage

• Used as a historical reference point: The term is often used in military history to discuss the superiority of the Roman legion's flexibility over the Macedonian phalanx.
  • The lessons from Cynoscephalae were studied by later military commanders.

Variants and Related Words

• Cynoscephalic (adj): Pertaining to Cynoscephalae. (Note: This is a rare, specialized derivative).
  • The Cynoscephalic victory established Roman influence in Greece.

Synonyms

• Battle of Cynoscephalae: The full, formal name for the event.

Notes on Meaning

• This word functions almost exclusively as a proper noun referring to a specific historical event and its location. It is not used in general language.

Noun

1. the battle that ended the second Macedonian War (197 BC); the Romans defeated Philip V who lost his control of Greece
2. the fields in Thessaly where in 197 BC the Romans defeated the Macedonians