The Rise of the Roman Empire

What role did fortune play in Rome’s success? How does The Rise of the Roman Empire explore the tensions between fate and agency in political affairs?

Polybius argues that history follows cyclical patterns. How does this idea relate to the concept of the rise and fall of civilizations in history? How does this compare to a more linear, progressive view of history? What are the strengths and limitations of each approach?

What specific disciplines and/or strategies were employed by the Romans that played a part in their success? What might these look like in a modern context? How can individuals and governments leverage Roman approaches in a new way?

Polybius admires Rome’s mixed constitution and sees it as the key to Rome’s success. How did the constitution contribute to Rome’s achievements and stability? What countries utilize a mixed constitution today, and how does it impact their political systems?

Polybius argues that the Cynaethans were unsuccessful politically because they abandoned the virtuous practices of their past. What are some of the practices Polybius regards as virtuous? How does he contrast virtuous and corrupt societies throughout The Rise of the Roman Empire?

How did Greek philosophy, culture, and/or religion impact Polybius’s theories about the Roman political system? How do these concepts continue to influence modern political ideologies?

Polybius frequently criticizes other historians, including Timaeus, especially for including embellished speeches and biased accounts. What does Polybius believe makes a historian trustworthy? How do his standards compare to those of modern journalism or historical scholarship?

Compare and contrast Polybius’s The Rise of the Roman Empire with the work of another ancient historian on the rise and greatness of Rome, such as Livy. How are the two works different or similar in their approach to this theme? In what ways does their analysis complement or contradict one another in their views of why and how Rome became powerful?