The Rise of the Roman Empire

In writing his account of the relentless growth of the Roman Empire, the Greek statesman Polybius set out to help his fellow-countrymen understand how their world came to be dominated by Rome. Opening with the Punic War in 264 BC, he records the critical stages of Roman expansion - its campaigns throughout the Mediterranean, the temporary setbacks inflicted by Hannibal, and the final destruction of Carthage in 146 BC.

An active participant in contemporary politics, as well as a friend of many prominent Roman citizens, Polybius was able to draw on a range of eyewitness accounts, alongside his own experiences of many of the central events, giving his work immediacy and authority.

The Rise of the Roman Empire by Polybius provides an insightful narrative of how Rome rose to supremacy in the ancient world, inviting the reader to explore the pivotal historical transformations through the lens of a knowledgeable insider.