English Translation: Roman Influence in the East: 168 BC

Olim, ubi Lucius Aemilius Paulus et Publius Licinius consules Romani erant, cives Alexandrini auxilium a Romanis petiverunt.

Once upon a time, when Lucius Paulus and Publius Licinius were Roman consuls, the citizens of Alexandria seeked help from the Romans.

Obsidebat enim urbem Alexandriam magno exercitu Antiochus, rex Syriae.

For the king of Syria, Antiochus, besieged the city of Alexandria with a big army.

Hic rex superbus erat et, quod regnum suum augere in animo habebat, Aegyptios vincere volebat.

This king was arrogant and because he intended to increase his kingdom, he wanted to conquer the Egyptians.

Romani Aegyptiis favebant, sed exercitum ad Aegyptum mittere non poterant.

The Romans favored the Egyptians but they couldn't send an army to Egypt.

Erat tamen senator quidam consularis, Gaius Popilius Laenas nominae, qui eo ipso tempore iter in illis partibus faciebat.

However, it was a certain senator, having the status of an ex-consul, by the name of Gaius Popilius Laenas who at this time was travelling in those parts of Egypt.

Hunc senatorem ad Aegyptum misit senatus Romanus quod auxilium Aegyptiis offerre voluit.

The Roman senate sent this senator to Egypt because he wanted to help the Egyptians.