After the termination of the Cleomenic War Greece enjoyed a short interval of general tranquillity. The states which had taken a part in the recent contest needed repose; and the Achæans, though they were now rid of their formidable antagonist, were not the more at liberty to engage in any fresh enterprises without the consent of the master to whose dominion they had been subjected by the selfish and short-sighted policy of Aratus. Throughout Peloponnesus military preparations and martial exercises were suspended: the people returned to the occupations of peace: the Megalopolitans began to settle again amidst the ruins of their city.

The death of Antigonus produced no immediate visible change in the state of affairs; but yet it may be considered as the main cause of the movements which ensued, and which soon after involved Greece in another wasteful and calamitous war. The occasion of this new struggle arose indeed at a great distance from Macedonia, without any intervention of the Macedonian government, and seemingly more through accident than design; yet it could hardly have taken place, and certainly would not have been attended with such consequences, if the restraint hitherto imposed on those who were desirous of change by the ability and success of Antigonus, had not been withdrawn.