Antiochus and the Aegean League

Both sides were being goted by their allies in Greece to fight it out. Hannibal told the Syrian king he would gladly lead an invasion of Italy himself if given the troops and supplies. The Italians launched simultaneous attacks on three Roman allied Greek cities, each of which would serve as a safe point of entry for any Syrian army. They were repulsed in two of the cities, but welcomed by the citizens of Demetrius. This action convinced Antiochus that the time was ripe for an invasion.