Polybius' Histories

Polybius' "Histories" is an ancient Greek work that primarily chronicles the rise of the Roman Republic from 264 to 146 BCE, focusing on the Punic Wars against Carthage. Polybius, a historian and political thinker, sought to explain how Rome became a dominant power in the Mediterranean. His analysis emphasizes the importance of a mixed government and the balance of powers, which he believed were key to Rome's stability and success. The work is valued for its critical approach to history, emphasizing factual accuracy and eyewitness accounts, offering insights into the political and military strategies of the era.