Polybius

Polybius came from the Greek political world and lived for years in Rome as a hostage after the defeat of Macedon. His Histories analyse how Rome came to dominate the Mediterranean, especially through the Punic Wars and the structure of Roman government.

For the site, Polybius is central to Classical pages on the Roman Republic, Carthage, Macedon, imperial expansion and ancient historical method. He is one of the most important sources for Rome’s transformation into a Mediterranean power.