When the Romans made their move Philip recalled the troops under Perseus, and his cavalry defeat at Ottobolus on the river Erigon, though not a major reverse, was the outcome of a gamble after learning that Pleuratus' and Bato's armies had crossed the passes in strength and were already in Macedonia.
Bato did not have an army of this type and were carrying heavy weapons,[5] but the nature of the terrain helped them.. Few were killed and a few more were injured, but none were taken prisoner, because in those few cases the Dardanians come out of their lines and in close formation they fight together or withdraw.
The Dardanian army under Bato was a well-organized military force in line with the most advanced tactics of that time, but also distinguished by bravery, discipline and solidarity.
[6] News of the Roman victory in 197 BC, drew Bato once again down the Vardar valley, but Philip caught and defeated him near the Paeonian capital Stobi with an army he had hastily conscripted from the cities of his kingdom.
Philip's purpose was to wipe out the Dardanians and settle the Bastarnae in their lands, and send the latter to Italy to lay it waste, leaving their women and children in Dardania.