Here, Book One is divided into thematic sections corresponding to the outline provided in the Introduction (pp. For sixty- three pages (pp. By clicking Sign Up, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. 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. It was at the beginning of this summer … This book begins with a brief, basic history of Egypt. 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. Thus, his notes frequently describe the grammar and syntax of a passage or provide definitions for atypical vocabulary without giving a full translation. When Polybius makes mention in Book One of events narrated in more detail elsewhere in his work, Phillips provides cross-references to Polybius rather than recount events himself (e.g. In explaining his translation “through the punishment (inflicted) on them” (1.7.12), for example, he notes that “in place of εἰς ἐκείνους Attic Greek more usually employs an objective genitive ἐκείνων.”. Book XXXVI: Affairs in Rome and Carthage: The Third Punic War; On Fate and Chance. In his notes on specific words and phrases in Greek, Phillips proves an astute reader of Polybius. Phillips’ commentary includes notes on unusual Greek accentuation (e.g. The brief overview of what is known about Polybius’ life is supported by cross-references to relevant passages in Polybius’ text beyond what is found specifically in Book One. 94-102), because of the rather oblique nature of Polybius’ outline. Whenever possible, Phillips’ approach is to provide just enough assistance for readers to work out Polybius’ meaning on their own. Discover Book Picks from the CEO of Penguin Random House US Close . Again, the purpose here is to provide enough context for the reader to understand the text of Book One, not to produce a complete account of the extensive scholarship on these topics. The year of office as Strategus of the younger Aratus had now come to an end with the rising of the Pleiades; for that was the arrangement of time then observed by the Achaeans.1 Accordingly he laid down his office and was succeeded in the command of the Achaeans by Eperatus; Dorimachus being still Strategus of the Aetolians. While the visual effect of this layout is daunting – especially for students relatively new to extended Greek texts – this format is ultimately preferable for teaching (and learning) Greek. This period, from 220–167 BC, saw Rome subjugate Carthage and gain control over Hellenistic Greece.

Phillips acknowledges the relatively simple style of Polybius’ prose but shares the view of an increasing chorus of scholars suggesting that this text is, nevertheless, composed with some degree of artistry and skill. The brief overview of what is known about Polybius’ life is supported by cross-references to relevant passages in Polybius’ text beyond what is found specifically in Book One. In a classroom setting, this format offers the advantage of forcing students to engage directly and exclusively with the Greek text (as opposed to commentaries which offer running vocabulary or translation assistance on the same page). Bryn Mawr PA 19010. L137 - Polybius -- Histories II: Books 3-4. While useful, this practice – frequently employed by the author throughout the commentary for historical references as well – means that complete understanding of the notes requires access to a full translation of the rest of Polybius’ work. Dog owners will especially appreciate Phillips’ astute observation of the various implications of canine tail-wagging as it relates to Polybius’ cryptic use of the verb συσσαίνομαι to describe common reactions to listening to the Phoenician language (1.80.6). The events of 168–146 were related in Books XXX–XXXIX. Polybius was the son of Lycortas, a distinguished Achaean statesman, and he received the upbringing considered appropriate for a … For such matters, the scholar of Polybius must continue to consult Walbank; for basic help understanding the Greek text of Polybius’ first book, this commentary by Phillips is now the primary resource. Loebulus. Comprising fragments of Books 10 to 39 (17, 19, and 37 are missing), a compendium of smaller fragments, and an extensive index, Volume 2 covers, inter alia, the Hannibalian War from 209 BCE, the characters of Scipio Africanus and Philip of Macedonia, the flawed historical method of Timaeus, the … The main point that Polybius makes is that it is the duty of the historian to remain free of bias; in 12.7 Polybius says of Timaeus that he "frequently makes false statements… his judgement… [is] darkened by prejudice…" whereas Polybius, having stated at 1.14 that "once a man … Polybius - Polybius - Sources of information: Polybius defines the historian’s task as the study and collation of documents, acquaintance with relevant geographical features, and, finally, political experience (XII, 25e); of these the last two are the most essential. Most scholars have approached Book 6 in piece-meal fashion, exemplified by the tendency to translate the word politeia as 'constitution', even though Polybius includes elements which could not be called constitutional such as funerary practices. After addressing the purpose of this commentary in the preface, Phillips includes an eight-page, general Introduction to Polybius’ life and work. In his notes, Phillips provides only enough historical context to orient the reader, rather than offering extended historical analysis such as one would find in Walbank. While these divisions are helpful both for mitigating the intimidating effects of the unbroken Greek text and for orienting readers in the broader narrative of Book One, brief introductions at the start of each new section might have further benefited readers. PDF of public domain Loeb edition … In my former book I explained the causes of the second war between Rome and Carthage; and described Hannibal’s invasion of Italy, and the engagements which took place between them up to the battle of Cannae, on the banks of the Aufidus. When Polybius’ expression or grammar differs significantly from what one would expect in Attic Greek, Phillips is keen to note this with parallel Attic constructions.

L159 - Polybius -- Histories IV: Books 9-15. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines.