The Rise of the Roman Empire (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Polybius; F.W. Walbank; Ian Scott-Kilvert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140443622 ISBN 13: 9780140443622

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 1979

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Polybius lived from 200-118 BC and was a Greek statesman and historian.

F.W. Walbank has published numerous works on ancient Greece. Ian Scott-Kilvert has also translated Plutarch's works for Penguin Classics.

From the Inside Flap:

Rome conquered the Mediterranean with a combination of manpower, military skill, might, intimidating toughness in adversity and moral scrupulousness.

Polybius, himself a Greek and an active contemporary participant in political relations with Rome, wrote the 40 books of his Universal History primarily to chronicle and account for the Roman conquest of Greece between 200 and 167 BC. He saw that Mediterranean history, under Rome's influence, was becoming an organic whole, so he starts his work in 264 BC with the beginning of Rome's clash with African Carthage, the rival imperialist power, and ends with the final destruction of Carthage in 146 BC.

Far more than a chronicle of military affairs, the Histories are superb political and social history. The clarity of his account is admirably preserved in this substantial selection from the surviving books.

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About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 1979
• ISBN 10: 0140443622
• ISBN 13: 9780140443622
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 576