Bøker av Polybius

Volume 1 of Shuckburgh's superb 1889 translation of Polybius' Histories contains Books 1 to 5, part of Book 6, and fragments of Books 7 to 9. Covering Greek and Egyptian society, the Punic Wars, Roman society and historical method, it remains a fascinating source on the second and third centuries BCE.

The historian Polybius (ca 200-118 BCE) was born into a leading family of Megalopolis in the Peloponnese (Morea) and served the Achaean League in arms and diplomacy for many years, favoring alliance with Rome. This title offers a translation of Polybius' work.

The Greek statesman Polybius (c.200 118 BC) wrote his account of the relentless growth of the Roman Empire in order to help his fellow countrymen understand how their world came to be dominated by Rome. Opening with the Punic War in 264 BC, he vividly records the critical stages of Roman expansion: its campaigns throughout the Mediterranean, the temporary setbacks inflicted by Hannibal and the final destruction of Carthage. An active participant of the politics of his time as well as a friend of many prominent Roman citizens, Polybius drew on many eyewitness accounts in writing this cornerstone work of history.