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GCSE History · key term
A Greek historian, born around 200 BC, whose Histories explained the rise of Roman power. He wrote after the Second Punic War and researched its events.
Used by OCR
Paper 2
Revise: PolybiusPolybius’ Histories helps us investigate both the progress of the Second Punic War, fought between Rome and Carthage in 218–201 BC, and the reasons ancient writers gave for its events. Polybius wanted to explain how Rome became the dominant Mediterranean power. Hannibal’s successes therefore raised an important problem: how could Rome suffer such severe defeats and still ultimately prevail?
Support judgements about Polybius with a specific passage: explain how its detail or language strengthens or limits its usefulness.
Polybius was not an eyewitness to the Second Punic War. His later military experience and research are different kinds of evidence.
Distinguish reported actions from Polybius’ interpretation of motives: Flaminius’ pursuit is an action; his supposed fear of ridicule is an explanation.
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