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Polybius
30quotes
Polybius: A Greek Historian and Statesman
Full Name and Common Aliases
Polybius' full name was Polybius of Megalopolis, a prominent historian and statesman from ancient Greece. He is often referred to as Polybius the Historian or simply Polybius.
Birth and Death Dates
Polybius was born in 208 BCE, during the Second Punic War, in Megalopolis, a city in the region of Arcadia, Greece. Unfortunately, there is no record of his exact death date.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Polybius was a Greek historian and statesman by profession. He served as a high-ranking military officer in the Achaean League, a powerful confederation of Greek city-states.
Early Life and Background
Little is known about Polybius' early life, but it's believed that he came from an aristocratic family in Megalopolis. His father was Lykortas, a prominent statesman who played a significant role in the Achaean League. Polybius' upbringing likely exposed him to politics and war from a young age.
Major Accomplishments
Polybius is best known for his work as a historian, particularly his book _The Histories_, which chronicled the rise of Rome from its humble beginnings to its ascension as a dominant world power. This monumental work consisted of 40 volumes, but unfortunately, only five books have survived to the present day.
Notable Works or Actions
Polybius' most notable contribution is undoubtedly his historical account _The Histories_. He not only wrote about the events he witnessed during his lifetime but also conducted extensive research and traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean region to gather information. His work provides invaluable insights into ancient Greek politics, culture, and society.
Impact and Legacy
Polybius' writings had a profound impact on Western literature and philosophy. His _Histories_ influenced some of the greatest minds in history, including Cicero, Josephus, and even the Roman Emperor Augustus. Polybius' work was instrumental in shaping our understanding of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Polybius is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful commentary on politics, history, and human nature. His observations on the cyclical nature of power, the importance of moderation in governance, and the dangers of unchecked ambition continue to resonate with readers today. As a historian and statesman, Polybius offers valuable lessons on leadership, integrity, and the responsible exercise of power.
As we reflect on Polybius' remarkable life and achievements, it becomes clear why he remains an essential figure in the world of classical studies. His _Histories_ continue to captivate readers with their engaging narrative style, meticulous research, and profound philosophical insights.
Quotes by Polybius
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Greek statesmen, if entrusted with a single talent, though protected by ten checking-clerks, as many seals and twice as many witnesses, yet cannot be induced to keep faith; whereas among the Romans, in their magistracies and embassies, men have the handling of a great amount of money, and yet from pure respect for their oath keep their faith intact.
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They want the centurions not so much to be venturesome and daredevils, as to be natural leaders, of a steady and reliable spirit. They do not so much want men who will initiate attacks and open the battle, but men who will hold their ground when beaten and hard-pressed, and will be ready to die at their posts.
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If history is deprived of the Truth, we are left with nothing but an idle, unprofitable tale.
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A good general not only sees the way to victory; he also knows when victory is impossible.
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Since the masses of the people are inconstant, full of unruly desires, passionate, and reckless of consequences, they must be filled with fears to keep them in order. The ancients did well, therefore, to invent gods, and the belief in punishment after death.
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Monarchy degenerates into tyranny, aristocracy into oligarchy, and democracy into savage violence and chaos.
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Can any one be so indifferent or idle as not to care to know by what means, and under what kind of polity, almost the whole inhabited world was conquered and brought under the dominion of the single city of Rome, and that too within a period of not quite fifty-three years?
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The common people feel themselves oppressed by the grasping of some, and their vanity is flattered by others. Fired with evil passions, they are no longer willing to submit to control, but demand that everything be subject to their authority. The invariable result is that government assumes the noble names of free and popular, but becomes in fact the most execrable thing, mob rule.
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