Aloeus Autokrator (Greek: Ἀλόευς Ἀυτοκράτωρ, July, 260 BCE - January 21/22, 189 BCE) was a Macedonian Greek general who eventually served as regent for the Antigonid dynasty from 233 - 218 BCE. The son of Euandros, Aloeus was the nephew of Gyras I Philopator, basileus of Macedon.
Born in Larissa, Aloeus served under his father during the Isthmian Revolt, earning a reputation for bravery at the battle of Panakton and the sieges of Aigosthena and Megara. Aloeus lead the famed Thessalian cavalry during the subsequent campaign against Sparta, rescuing King Gyras at the battle of Tegea and earning him a position as one of the basileus' somatophylakes. Aloeus advised Gyras to take action against the Thracian tribal confederations to the north, resulting in the Odrysian War. He once again rescued the basileus during an ambush near Bizye, risking his life to do so and earning the epithet of Ainódryptos or "scarred". Whilst Gyras besieged Byzantion, Aloeus lead the hetairoi cavalry across southern Thrace on a raid. During this campaign, he was confronted by a Thracian army and despite being heavily outnumbered, defeated them at Arzus, killing the Odrysian and Astian kings.
Highly valued for his military acumen and energetic personality, Aloeus became a favourite of the Antigonids, earning the monikor of Eudokimeon or "the esteemed". Despite his young age, he lead the Antigonid forces against the rump states of Pergamon and Bithynia, earning numerous victories. Following a brief naval campaign, he also re-seized many of the Aegean islands, most especially Chios and Rhodes. By 234 BCE, he had expanded Antigonid influence over western Anatolia, captured southern Thrace and re-established control over Greece. The unexpected death of Gyras I put pressure on the Antigonids as his heir, Deukalos, was only a child at the time of his ascension. Aloeus was elected as regent for the young basileus and pushed for aggressive measures against the Roman expansion into Illyria and Dalmatia. In 232 BCE, he initiated the First Macedonian War by seizing Dyrrachium, considered under Roman protection. After spending two years defeating and subjugating the city states of Epirus, Ardiae, Apollonia and Kerkyra (modern Corfu), Aloeus drew the full ire of Rome, which landed a large army under command of Amulius Brutus at Nicopolis. Although this army would be crushed at the battle of Ephyra in 230 BCE, it proved Rome's investment in the region and Aloeus was forced to spend another year quelling pro-Roman rebellions throughout Epirus and Illyria.
Taking the initiative, Aloeus marched his army north through eastern Cisalpine Gaul, accepting the surrenders of, but not occupying Roman held cities. Aloeus would finally be met at the Sabis River. The ensuing battle was regarded as one of Rome's greatest defeats in history, with almost the entire Roman army being destroyed.