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. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

The Rise of the Roman Empire (Penguin Classics)

Literature & Fiction

Polybius

Short Stories & Anthologies

Penguin Classics

Here is the first new translation for over thirty years of Polybius' Histories, the major source for our knowledge of the Eternal City's early rise to power, covering the years of the Second Punic War, the defeat of Hannibal, and Rome's pivotal victories in the Mediterranean. Polybius, himself a leading Greek politician of the time, attributes Rome's success to the greatness of its constitution and the character of its people, but also allows Fortune a role in shaping world events. This new translation by Robin Waterfield includes the first five books in their entirety, and all of the fragmentary Books 6 and 12. Brian McGing's lucid introduction discusses the period covered by the Histories, Polybius' major role in the reconstruction of Greece after the defeat of the Achaean League, the themes and subject matter of the individual books, Polybius' outspoken views on how (and how not), and his significance for historiography. The book also includes succinct, clear notes, maps, a glossary, and an index of proper names. About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

The Histories (Oxford World's Classics)

History

Waterfield, Robin

McGing, Brian

Ancient Civilizations

Oxford University Press

Histories: Bks.I & II v. 1 (Loeb Classical Library)

William Heinemann

Histories: Bks.V-VIII Vol 3 (Loeb Classical Library)

The General History of Polybius, Vol. 1 of 3: Translated From the Greek (Classic Reprint)

Forgotten Books

Polybius (born ca. 208 BCE) of Megalopolis in the Peloponnese (Morea), served the Achaean League in arms and diplomacy for many years, favouring alliance with Rome. From 168 to 151 he was hostage in Rome where he became a friend of Aemilius Paulus and his two sons, and especially adopted Scipio Aemilianus whose campaigns he attended later. In late life he was trusted mediator between Greece and the Romans whom he admired; helped in the discussions which preceded the final war with Carthage; and, after 146, was entrusted by the Romans with details of administration in Greece. He died at the age of 82 after a fall from his horse. The main part of Polybius's history covers the years 264–146 BCE. It describes the rise of Rome to the destruction of Carthage and the domination of Greece by Rome. It is a great work, accurate, thoughtful, largely impartial, based on research, full of insight into customs, institutions, geography, causes of events and character of people; it is a vital achievement of first rate importance, despite the incomplete state in which all but the first five of the forty books have reached us. Polybius's overall theme is how and why the Romans spread their power as they did. The Loeb Classical Library edition of Polybius is in six volumes.

Polybius: The Histories, I, Books 1-2 (Loeb Classical Library No. 128) (Volume I)

Biographies & Memoirs

Arts & Literature

Loeb Classical Library

Polybius (born ca. 208 BCE) of Megalopolis in the Peloponnese (Morea), served the Achaean League in arms and diplomacy for many years, favouring alliance with Rome. From 168 to 151 he was hostage in Rome where he became a friend of Aemilius Paulus and his two sons, and especially adopted Scipio Aemilianus whose campaigns he attended later. In late life he was trusted mediator between Greece and the Romans whom he admired; helped in the discussions which preceded the final war with Carthage; and, after 146, was entrusted by the Romans with details of administration in Greece. He died at the age of 82 after a fall from his horse.
 The main part of Polybius's history covers the years 264–146 BCE. It describes the rise of Rome to the destruction of Carthage and the domination of Greece by Rome. It is a great work, accurate, thoughtful, largely impartial, based on research, full of insight into customs, institutions, geography, causes of events and character of people; it is a vital achievement of first rate importance, despite the incomplete state in which all but the first five of the forty books have reached us. Polybius's overall theme is how and why the Romans spread their power as they did.
 The Loeb Classical Library edition of Polybius is in six volumes.

Polybius: The Histories, Volume II, Books 3-4 (Loeb Classical Library No. 137)

History & Criticism

Polybius: The Histories, Volume III, Books 5-8 (Loeb Classical Library No. 138)

Polybius: The Histories, Vol. IV, Books 9-15 (Loeb Classical Library, No. 159)

Polybius: The Histories, V, Books 16-27 (Loeb Classical Library, No. 160)

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Polybius. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Polybius