Polybius: Rome's Government, Military, and Civic Virtue

Who wrote the source?

Polybius

When?

Polybius lived c. 204–after 118 BCE. The text is about Rome at the end of the third Punic War (146 B.C.).

Type of document?

Excerpts from a historical text, specifically Book 6 of Polybius's History. It contains analysis of government and military institutions

Intended audience?

General readers interested in history, possibly aiming to help Greeks accept Roman rule

Main storyline?

An analysis of the Roman government's mixed constitution (monarchy, aristocracy, democracy) and its checks and balances, along with a detailed description of Roman military institutions and a comparison between Rome and Carthage

Why written?

To explain the strength, vigor, and success of the Roman republic by analyzing its institutions and comparing it favorably to Carthage

Assumptions about source & author?

The author (Polybius) is considered the most reliable ancient historian for this period. The source assumes that a balanced constitution (mixed government) and strong military discipline/civic virtue were the primary reasons for Rome’s dominance

Can I believe this document?

Yes, Polybius is considered the "best authority" and the "most reliable... of ancient historians" for this period

What can I learn about society/people who created this document?

They organized their governance based on a balance of three distinct powers (consuls, senate, people). They valued intense military discipline, enforcing it with severe penalties like the bastinadoe and decimation. They used superstition (religion) extensively to control the populace and ensure financial honesty. They highly rewarded military bravery and self-sacrifice for the state

How does this source relate to it’s historical context?

It explains how Rome achieved its status as the world conqueror after the end of the Punic Wars (146 B.C.) by maintaining a strong constitution while Carthage’s government was already declining.

Why do I think the writer expressed himself this way?

Polybius sought to provide a reliable and comprehensive analysis. His detailed, systematic approach to the government and military institutions serves to logically demonstrate the inherent superiority of the Roman system

Lasting importance of this document?

It provides critical knowledge regarding the structure of the Roman Republic, offering a constitutional model (mixed government theory) that influenced subsequent political thought

. Why is it important to the big picture of western history?

t documents and explains the governmental and military foundations that enabled Rome to become the dominant Western power. It also offers a fundamental philosophical framework for understanding the cycle of governmental change and decay (monarchy, aristocracy, democracy, and their corrupt forms)

List events in this document that happened.

Rome completely conquered the civilized world (146 B.C.); the destruction of Carthage; the destruction of Corinth; Hannibal captured 8,000 Romans after the Battle of Cannae; the Roman Senate refused to ransom the Cannae prisoners; and Horatius Cocles defended the bridge across the Tiber.