At the time (215-214 B.C.) that Epicydes and Hippocrates seized on Syracuse, alienating themselves and the rest of the citizens from the friendship of Rome, the Romans, who had already heard of the fate of Hieronymus, tyrant of Syracuse, appointed Appius Claudius as propraetor, entrusting him with the command of the land forces, while they put their fleet under that of Marcus Claudius Marcellus. Continue reading “The Siege of Syracuse – The Romans acquire control of Sicily”
Treaty between Hannibal and King Philip V of Macedon
This is a sworn treaty made between us, Hannibal the general, Mago, Myrcan, Barmocar, and all other Carthaginian senators present with him, and all Carthaginians serving under him, on the one side, and Xenophanes the Athenian, son of Cleomachus, the envoy whom King Philip, son of Demetrius, sent to us on behalf of himself, the Macedonians and allies, on the other side. Continue reading “Treaty between Hannibal and King Philip V of Macedon”
Polybius on the decay of states
That all existing things are subject to decay and change is a truth that scarcely needs proof; for the course of nature is sufficient to force this conviction on us. Continue reading “Polybius on the decay of states”
The constitution of Carthage & The superiority of the Roman commonwealth
The constitution of Carthage seems to me to have been originally well contrived as regards its most distinctive points. Continue reading “The constitution of Carthage & The superiority of the Roman commonwealth”
Polybius’ criticism on the constitution of Sparta
To me it seems that as far as regards the maintenance of concord among the citizens, the security of the Laconian territory and the preservation of the freedom of Sparta, the legislation of Lycurgus and the foresight he exhibited were so admirable that one is forced to regard his institutions as of divine rather than human origin. Continue reading “Polybius’ criticism on the constitution of Sparta”
Polybius’ criticism on the Cretan constitution
To pass to the constitution of Crete, two points here demand our attention. Continue reading “Polybius’ criticism on the Cretan constitution”