IDENTIFICATIONS

*The Punic Wars
*Hannibal
Hadrusbal
Hamilcar Barca
Fabius Pictor
Philinus

LOCATIONS

*Rome
*Carthage
*Spain
Saguntum
Ebro River
*Sicily
*Messina
*Sardinia
*Alps
Cisalpine Gaul
*Apennines
Cannae

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What is the stated reasons that Polybius gives for writing his History?

What empires does Polybius list to compare with Rome?

In what ways does Polybius claim his History is special?

What comments does Polybius make at the outset concerning Roman imperialism? How does Fortune (Tyche) play a role here?

What date is the starting date of Polybius' History?

What elements of "cause" does Polybius list for the outbreak of the Second Punic War? How does he distinguish "cause" from "beginning". What for Polybius was the "beginning" of the Second Punic War?

Why does Polybius deny that a debate on the war occurred at Rome after the fall of Saguntum? What evidence does he cite?

What evidence does Polybius cite to deny that a treaty existed between Rome and Carthage, dividing spheres of influence between Italy (for Rome) and Sicily (for Carthage)? Is he convincing?

To whom does Polybius ultimately assign blame for the Second Punic War?

What theory does Polybius present regarding the constitution of Rome? Why does he dwell on the constitution?

Why does Polybius dwell on the "customs" of the Romans? Is this ethnography of the old type?

What are Polybius' attitudes towards the dominance of Rome?