The people applauded his speech, and a decree was passed to leave things as they were for the present and conduct the war unaided.
But a series of disasters overtook them. In the first place Ptolemy threw over the League and began to give financial support to Cleomenes with a view of setting him on to attack Antigonus, as he hoped to be able to keep in check more effectually the projects of the Macedonian kings with the support of the Lacedaemonians than with that of the Achaeans.
Next the Achaeans were worsted by Cleomenes while on the march near the Lycaeum and again in a pitched battle at a place in the territory of <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Megalopolis&groupId=745&placeId=1360">Megalopolis</a> called Ladoceia, Lydiades falling here, and finally their whole force met with utter defeat at the Hecatombaeum in the territory of Dyme.
Circumstances now no longer permitting delay, they were compelled by their position to appeal with one voice to Antigonus.
Aratus on this occasion sent his son as envoy to the king and ratified the terms of the alliance.
They were, however, in considerable doubt and difficulty about the Acrocorinthus, as they did not think Antigonus would come to their assistance unless it were restored to him, so that he could use <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Corinth&groupId=493&placeId=928">Corinth</a> as a base for the present war, nor could they go to the length of handing over the Corinthians against their will to Macedon.
This even caused at first an adjournment of the Council for the consideration of the guarantees they offered.
Walbank Commentary