The Histories

Here is the first new translation for over thirty years of Polybius' Histories , the major source for our knowledge of the Eternal City's early rise to power, covering the years of the Second Punic War, the defeat of Hannibal, and Rome's pivotal victories in the Mediterranean. Polybius, himself a leading Greek politician of the time, attributes Rome's success to the greatness of its constitution and the character of its people, but also allows Fortune a role in shaping world events. This new translation by Robin Waterfield includes the first five books in their entirety, and all of the fragmentary Books 6 and 12. Brian McGing's lucid introduction discusses the period covered by the Histories , Polybius' major role in the reconstruction of Greece after the defeat of the Achaean League, the themes and subject matter of the individual books, Polybius' outspoken views on how (and how not), and his significance for historiography. The book also includes succinct, clear notes, maps, a glossary, and an index of proper names.

Features

The first new translation for over thirty years of Polybius' Histories , the major source for our knowledge of Rome's rise to world power and her method of rule in the years 220-146 BC, including the Second Punic War, the defeat of Hannibal and Rome's victories in the Mediterranean.

Includes the only five books to survive in their entirety, plus all the fragmentary Books 6 and 12, an account of the Roman constitution and an analysis of how to write history (and how not to write it).

Robin Waterfield's fresh translation makes Polybius accessible to a new generation of readers and students.

Brian McGing's lucid introduction discusses the period covered by the Histories , Polybius' major role in the reconstruction of Greece after the defeat of the Achaean League, the themes and subject matter of the individual books, and Polybius' historical theory and method and significance for historiography.

Includes succinct, clear notes, maps, glossary, index of proper names.

Robin Waterfield is an author and translator. His many acclaimed translations for OWC include Plato's Republic and five other Plato translations, Plutarch, Herodotus, Aristotle, Xenophon and Euripides. Brian McGing has written articles on the Hellenistic period and recently completed a book on Polybius. He is Regius Professor of Greek at Trinity College Dublin.