The Rise of the Roman Empire

Polybius saw Rome’s success as resulting from three factors: Elevated principles, a highly organized and disciplined military approach, and a balanced constitution. For the Greek historian, Rome’s rise was not the product of divine favor or brute conquest, but the result of deliberate planning, structured discipline, and a flexible yet stable system of organization. Strength emerges on the battlefield, in institutions, habits, and the ability to adapt, reflecting growth through discipline and strategy.

Polybius consistently highlights Roman military organization as a key to its growth as a major power. Troops were trained in formation, timing, and logistics. After victories, such as Scipio’s claiming of New Carthage, plunder was distributed fairly. Even sick and absent soldiers received their share. Soldiers did not break rank to loot and instead waited for commands, and Scipio returned hostages and women to their families. Polybius asserts that military victory is not won by passion but by habitual self-control and trust in the structure of command. This internal discipline gives Rome a tactical edge and helps preserve unity.

Polybius also highlights adaptability as a key strategy to success. Rome adapted to naval warfare during the First Punic War by reverse-engineering Carthaginian ships.