The Rise of the Roman Empire

Polybius

Penguin Books Limited, 1979 - History - 574 pages

The Greek statesman Polybius (c.200;118 BC) wrote his account of the relentless growth of the Roman Empire in order to help his fellow countrymen understand how their world came to be dominated by Rome. Opening with the Punic War in 264 BC, he vividly records the critical stages of Roman expansion: its campaigns throughout the Mediterranean, the temporary setbacks inflicted by Hannibal and the final destruction of Carthage. An active participant of the politics of his time as well as a friend of many prominent Roman citizens, Polybius drew on many eyewitness accounts in writing this cornerstone work of history.

What people are saying

Review: The Rise of the Roman Empire

User Review  - Eddy Allen - Goodreads

Polybius, himself a Greek and an active contemporary participant in political relations with Rome, wrote the forty books of his Universal History primarily to chronicle and account for the Roman ...

Review: The Rise of the Roman Empire

User Review  - Craig Herbertson - Goodreads

The only problem with this is that there are bits missing. Sadly, time and the greed of mankind stripped us of many great classics. This one of the victims but what's left makes a fascinating read.

About the author

Polybius lived from 200-118 BC and was a Greek statesman and historian. F.W. Walbank has published numerous works on ancient Greece. Ian Scott-Kilvert has also translated Plutarch's works for Penguin Classics.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Rise of the Roman Empire; Penguin classics
• Author: Polybius
• Editor: F. Walbank
• Translated by: Ian Scott-Kilvert
• Contributor: F. Walbank
• Edition: illustrated, reprint
• Publisher: Penguin Books Limited, 1979
• ISBN: 0140443622, 9780140443622
• Length: 574 pages
• Subjects: History / Ancient / General; History / Ancient / Rome