Polybius's theme is how and why the Romans spread their power as they did. The main part of his history covers the years 264--146 bc, describing the rise of Rome, the destruction of Carthage, and the eventual domination of the Greek world. It is a vital achievement despite the incomplete survival of...

Polybius's theme is how and why the Romans spread their power as they did. The main part of his history covers the years 264--146 bc, describing the rise of Rome, the destruction of Carthage, and the eventual domination of the Greek world. It is a vital achievement despite the incomplete survival of all but the first five of forty books.