Polybius

Polybius was an ancient Greek historian known for his work "The Histories," which covers the rise of the Roman Republic and its expansion. Living from around 200 to 118 BCE, he emphasized the importance of understanding historical events in context, particularly the causes and consequences of actions. Polybius introduced the idea of cyclic historical patterns and the "mixed constitution," which influenced modern political thought. His accounts are valued for their analytical approach and effort to provide a balanced perspective on history, making him a key figure in the study of ancient history and historiography.