
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
'no One Else In Our Times Has Attempted To Write A Universal History' Polybius' Ambitious Goal Was To Describe How Rome Conquered The Mediterranean World In Less Than Fifty-three Years. This Great Study Of Imperialism Takes The Reader Back To Rome's First Encounter With Carthage In 264 And Forward To Her Destruction Of That Renowned City In 146. Polybius, Himself A Leading Greek Politician Of The Time, Emphasizes The Importance Of Practical Experience For The Writing Of Political History As Well As The Critical Assessment Of All The Evidence. He Attributes Rome's Success To The Greatness Of Its Constitution And The Character Of Its People, But Also Allows Fortune A Role In Designing The Shape Of World Events. This New Translation By Robin Waterfield, The First For Over Thirty Years, Includes The First Five Books In Their Entirety, And All Of The Fragmentary Books 6 And 12, Containing Polybius' Account Of The Roman Constitution And His Outspoken Views On How (and How Not) To Write History. Brian Mcging's Accompanying Introduction And Notes Illuminate This Remarkable Political History. About The Series: For Over 100 Years Oxford World's Classics Has Made Available The Widest Range 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, Helpful Notes To Clarify The Text, Up-to-date Bibliographies For Further Study, And Much More.
Polybius investigates the core question of how Rome managed to conquer the Mediterranean world in less than fifty-three years. As a prominent Greek politician and military strategist, Polybius utilizes his direct experience in statecraft and warfare to construct a rigorous framework for political history. He argues that Rome's rapid expansion was a result of its unique constitutional structure and the character of its citizenry, while also acknowledging the unpredictable influence of fortune on historical outcomes.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Scholars and historians regard this work as a foundational text for understanding the mechanics of ancient imperialism and the development of political historiography. Readers frequently note the analytical density of the prose, which prioritizes structural and political evaluation over purely narrative storytelling.
Page Count:
560
Publication Date:
2010-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
019161260X
ISBN-13:
9780191612602
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!