The Histories

By: Polybius, W. R. Paton - translator

Narrated by: Jonathan Booth

How did the city state of Rome rise inexorably to become the dominant power in the Mediterranean and much of the Western world?

In short, first of all it overcame the established Carthaginian Empire despite the remarkable exploits of Hannibal. And, largely at the same time, it gradually subjugated the many and varied city states of Greece, despite various allied opposition.

The rise of Rome is one of the great stories of world history, and fortunately, we have a reliable and at times an eyewitness account, from the Greek historian Polybius of Megalopolis (c200 BCE-c117 BCE). In The Histories, Polybius set out to present as full an account as he could, with the historical background, the causes of disagreement leading to conflict, the main naval and land battles and the acts of heroism, cowardice, imagination and folly.

In addition, he provided lucid explanations of the diplomacy, the treaties and portraits of the main personalities. He encompassed the whole story in 40 books, a considerable undertaking. He started his tale in 264 BCE as Rome challenged Carthage and concluded with the capture of Corinth in 146 BCE. It is a century (and more) of almost continuous conflict in one field or another. These were brutal times of torture, slaughter, enslavement, where power was wielded for dominance, but there were examples of honourable engagement and considered diplomacy. Extended periods of warfare brought new military ideas and tactics, as Rome learned to combat Carthaginian expertise on sea and on land. Siege machinery was developed on both sides (the skills of Archimedes in the defence of Syracuse is mentioned) and the famous Greek phalanx was pitted against the Roman legions.

Polybius reports on the main confrontations with the authority of a man who was present at many events and also visited historic sites of importance to ensure his accounts of the past were accurate. In The Histories, he gives rounded portraits of the important figures of Hannibal and other Carthaginian generals: of Scipio Africanus (who finally stopped Hannibal at the Battle of Zama) and other Roman general, of Philip V of Macedon, of Antiochus the Great, ruler of the Seleucid Empire and of the Ptolemies of Egypt.

The rise of Rome is a story of two main arenas - the West (Carthage, Spain, Northern Italy and Illyria) and the East - Greece! In trying to maintain some kind of chronological flow, Polybius has little option but to switch the focus from one to another, sometimes at short notice! This problem is exacerbated by the fact that The Histories has survived only in part.

The first five books exist in full. Most of book six, with its important review of the Roman constitution and military system, has also survived. Of the rest we have fragments of varying lengths (though nothing for books 17, 19, 37, 40). This makes for some challenging moments as ‘chapters’ can switch from one focus to another at a swift pace, especially with the way the vivid reports and analysis from Polybius maintain the thrust of the narrative.

Ukemi Audiobooks here presents, for the first time on audio, the unabridged Polybius - everything that has survived - in the excellent translation by W. R. Paton. There is additional material too. It opens with 'The Life of Polybius' by H. J. Edwards. And it closes with the classic survey of Polybius and his work by Evelyn S. Shuckburgh, which includes 'The Sources of Polybius’ History' and an overview of 'The Achaean League' which played a key role in events in Greece. The whole production is supported by an extensive PDF, with key dates, personalities and events in order. There are also maps, which give visual clarity to the challenging geographical progress of Rome as it moved inexorably towards Empire. The Histories is read with engaging authority by Jonathan Booth.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Public Domain (P)2021 Ukemi Productions Ltd

Excellent narration

Booth does a great job and helps prevent the book from dragging on. Having listened to a number of different narrators for other ancient history books, he is among the best. Solid listen

One of the greatest works of history ever!

Who doesn't love polybius? One of the greatest historians of all time and one of the only contemporary account's of vital points in history. This is the story of us all, the story of how western civilization grew into what it later became.

There is a reason why Polybius is still read

My interest in reading this classic history was for the firsthand account of the demise of Carthage, the leading city of Phoenicia. I should be disappointed by the short shrift the third Punic War plays in this history. Even the Hannibalic Wars have been embellished beyond the account by Polybius. The fall of Greece and the Hellenic world looms larger in this account, at least in my mind. The events of Rome in its pacifying of Phillip of Macedonia and the accounts of King Antiochus in Syria set the stage for the fall of Greece and the empire of Alexander. The special status given to Achaea also helps to define the complex relationship between Greece and Rome incoherently articulated in many American renditions of ancient history.

Polybius colors his history with his own interpretations and moralizing that I actually appreciate. By comparison, Thucydides seems far more objective or neutral. Perhaps Polybius is a nice blend between the uncritical Herodotus and the highly rationalist perspective of Thucydides. Polybius’ axioms and retorts highlight how immoderation among Greece’s leaders become amplified over the uncritical masses, ultimately resulting in a national tragedy. Polybius’ Histories contain gems of wisdom passed down from one gifted and highly civilized culture to our own. Please read.

Tedious, But Absolutely Worth It

The Main Points here being the Punic Wars. And very interesting, Pre Punic Wars Skirmishes. The intricacies of Sicilian affairs during this period.
Moving on to the civil wars of ancient Greece, all the drama of Sparta, Athens, the Achian league and the Atolians. All of this and some very nice points to made in the affairs of the Diodocians, Macedon, Syria and Egypt.
This history is like going in to a very large buffet that is entirely up to you to consume. Allow the time for digestion and retention before moving on. There is enough material here to a history enthusiast occupied for a very, very long time.

Very “listenable”!

I was expecting this to be somewhat archaic and torturous, but I was pleasantly surprised! The style is, if anything, simple and workmanlike, and the amount of detail is exquisite… many contemporary historians gloss over the subtleties of battles, but it’s all here. Don’t trust the academic hacks, go to the source! I also really the little nuggets of practical wisdom woven into the narrative, which are very applicable to today.