How many books are in Polybius histories?

40 volumes
Polybius’ Histories (Greek: Ἱστορίαι Historíai) were originally written in 40 volumes, only the first five of which are extant in their entirety….Ἱστορίαι

Why did Polybius write The Histories?

Polybius’ original purpose was to narrate the history of the 53 years (220–168 bce)—from Hannibal’s Spanish campaign to the Battle of Pydna—during which Rome had made itself master of the world.

Who wrote a 40 volume work on the history of the Mediterranean?

Diodorus Siculus
Diodorus Siculus or Diodorus of Sicily (active 1st century BCE) was a Greek historian, known for his universal history Bibliotheca Historica. Originally, it was a 40-volume monumental work, covering the history of the Mediterranean region from mythical times to his own lifetime, around 60/59 BCE.

When did Polybius write The Rise of Rome?

Polybius was a Greek historian of the Hellenistic period noted for his work The Histories, which covered the period of 264–146 BC in detail. The work describes the rise of the Roman Republic to the status of dominance in the ancient Mediterranean world.

Is Polybius accurate?

Throughout his books, Polybius has a lot to say about the correct way to write history, and it clear that he wanted to ‘get back to Thucydides’; he is generally regarded therefore – as ancient historians go – as a ‘reliable’ source.

What occurred in 264 BC?

The First Punic War began in 264 B.C. when Rome interfered in a dispute on the Carthaginian-controlled island of Sicily; the war ended with Rome in control of both Sicily and Corsica and marked the empire’s emergence as a naval as well as a land power.

When was the histories written?

425 BCE
The Histories of Herodotus (c. 484-c. 425 BCE) is the earliest extant historical narrative. Written in the second half of the 5th century BCE, it aims to describe and explain the long history of conflict between Greeks and non-Greeks, culminating in the Graeco-Persian Wars of the early 5th century.

Who was Polybius audience?

Greek audience
Peter Green advises that Polybius was chronicling Roman history for a Greek audience, to justify what he believed to be the inevitability of Roman rule.

Where did Polybius get his information?

Polybius regarded oral sources as his most important, and the questioning of witnesses as the most vital part of a historian’s task; indeed, this is one reason why he chose to begin his main history at the year 220.

How does Polybius portray Hannibal?

Polybius – for all he was the mouthpiece of the Scipio family – describes Hannibal in 218bc as ‘young, full of martial ardour, encouraged by the success of his enterprises, and spurred on by his long-standing enmity to Rome’ (Polybius 3.15.

Who is Polybius audience?

Peter Green advises that Polybius was chronicling Roman history for a Greek audience, to justify what he believed to be the inevitability of Roman rule.