The Rise of the Roman Empire by Polybius

As I transition my studies from the Hellenistic to the Roman period, this ancient book became an obvious choice, covering the rise of the Roman Empire in the latter centuries of the Republic.

Perhaps what's most interesting about this book is that it was written be a Greek historian, Polybius, telling the story of Rome's ascent over his own society and culture.  Polybius (c. 200–118 BCE) lived through many of the events of the story and knew some of its characters quite well.  His close friendship with the Roman Scipio Aemilianus the Younger gave him access and insight to the Roman leadership.

Polybius lived in the Peloponnese, a prominent citizen and advocate for the Achaean league, one of the large powers of the Greek world at that time.  He watched Rome's slow but persistent conquest of the Greek world with a mix of sadness, awe and admiration.  It's a rare instance of history being written by the loser, with those writings surviving more than two millennia and counting.

Rome came to dominate the Greek world for many reasons, not the least of which was military superiority.  But Rome's political singularity played a significant role when matched with the multitude of states across the Greek world, with the subsequent archipelago of political interests, philosophies and competencies.

Rome played something of the big-brother to the Greek states, who often asked Rome to adjudicate over political (and military) differences.  Often times the major beneficiary of these disputes became Rome, stepping in to settle matters militarily when the truces it brokered were breached.  State by state, region by region, Rome assumed power across the Greek world.

Perhaps my favorite sections of the book, however, covered the Punic Wars between Carthage and the Roman Republic.  I've read through them before, but perhaps 20 or more years ago.  I enjoyed the refresher, and perhaps I will dig deeper, especially with our impending trip to Sicily in 2026.