Polybius and Roman Imperialism [Hardcover]

This study explores in depth the complex reaction of the Greek historian Polybius to the expansion of Roman power. Although he considered imperialism intrinsically noble, and both admired and supported Roman domination, Polybius also demonstrated a certain intellectual distance from Rome, evident in his application of abstract principles to the evaluation of Rome and other imperial powers, his acknowledgement of the aggressive drive underlying all imperial ventures, his willingness to criticize Rome, his concern for the interests of subject nations, the promotion of his own political views, and his willingness to contemplate the end of Roman power.

Preface
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
Part I. The Attitude of Intellectuals to Imperial Domination in the Hellenistic Period
1. Greek Philosophers and Roman Imperialism
2. Poets, Prophecies and Roman Imperialism
3. Historians and Roman Imperialism
Part II. Polybius' Attitude to Roman Domination
4. Polybius on Legitimate Expansion
5. Polybius on the Acquisition, Expansion and Preservation of Imperial Rule
6. Polybius on the Enemies of Rome
7. Polybius in the Service of Rome
8. Polybius, Rome, Barbarism and Fate
9. Polybius on the Future of the Roman Empire
Conclusions
Notes
Bibliography
Index of Passages Cited
General Index

Examines the complex reaction of the Greek historian Polybius to the expansion of Roman power, embracing admiration and support tempered by detachment of different kinds, personal, cultural, patriotic and intellectual.

Donald Walter Baronowski is Lecturer in the Department of History and Classical Studies, McGill University, Canada.