Polybius

The Histories of Polybius (eBook, ePUB)

Vol. I & II
Übersetzer: Shuckburgh, Evelyn Shirley; Hultsch, Friedrich

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In 'The Histories of Polybius', the ancient Greek historian offers a meticulous and insightful account of Rome's ascent to preeminence in the Mediterranean world, with a detailed chronicle spanning from 264 to 146 BC. Polybius's narrative is distinguished by its analytical approach and the emphasis on the political, military, and diplomatic activities that propelled Rome from a city-state to an imperial power. He goes beyond mere reportage to evaluate the causes and effects of events within this transformative period, especially in the consequential stretch from 220-167 BC. His examination of the Roman Constitution in the sixth book is particularly noted for its exploration of the balances of power, offering readers today a framework to understand the underlying principles that contributed to Rome's enduring legacy. A hallmark of historical literature, The Histories fuses a scholar's rigour with a historian's eye for engaging storytelling, all within a well-contextualized analysis of Hellenistic states and the Punic Wars. Polybius, who himself was a statesman and general in the Achaean League, witnessed first-hand the operations of the Roman Republic following his detainment. His unique vantage point as both an insider-outsider, coupled with a scholarly commitment, led him to dissect the qualities of Rome's governance systems and military strategies. His work remains a critical resource for understanding the socio-political dynamics of antiquity, and his methodological approach has marked him as a historian of considerable foresight. His intellectual inquiry was motivated by a quest to comprehend the mechanics of Rome's success and to document for posterity the effects of their expansionist policies on the wider Hellenic world. For scholars, students, and enthusiasts of classical history, 'The Histories of Polybius' is indispensable. In its pages, readers find not just the recounting of historical events, but also the acute analysis of a sophisticated observer who presents an era marked by warfare, diplomacy, and political evolution. His work stands as a paradigm for historical methodology and continues to offer invaluable insights into the complexities of ancient statecraft. Polybius's work offers both breadth in its sweep of over a century of history and depth in its examination of Roman political culture, making it an essential text for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of Western civilization.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: DigiCat
• Seitenzahl: 1083
• Erscheinungstermin: 15. Dezember 2023
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547754121
• Artikelnr.: 69607802

Autorenporträt

Polybius (c. 200 - c. 118 BCE), an ancient Greek historian, was born into a highly placed family in Megalopolis, in the Peloponnese, and played an active role in the political arena of his time. Through personal experience and a robust network of acquaintances within the echelons of power, he became uniquely positioned to write with authority on the Mediterranean world's historical events. His work, 'The Histories of Polybius' is considered one of the most important sources for understanding the rise of the Roman Empire and the Hellenistic period. Polybius's methodological approach to history was critical and analytical, and he placed great emphasis on eyewitness accounts and first-hand information, intending to provide a rational explanation for the events he described. He held a pragmatic view of history, which he saw as a source of practical lessons on governance and statecraft. Notably, 'The Histories' are recognized for detailing the Roman constitution's structure and the concept of the 'checks and balances' system, which has influenced many subsequent governmental frameworks. In literary circles, Polybius is regarded for his earnest endeavor to write a factual and detailed account, avoiding the sensationalism and dramatic embellishments characteristic of some of his contemporaries. Though only a portion of his forty-volume historical epic survives, what remains offers vivid insights into the ancient world, underlining Polybius's enduring significance as a cardinal figure in classical historiography.