Hannibal Sources - Polybius and Livy

Hannibal Sources - Polybius and Livy

1. Polybius

   • About Him
     • Greek
       • But writes with the intention to explain to Greek readers why they should accept Roman rule
     • Lived C.200 - 118 BC
     • Historian
   • His sources
     • Was an eyewitness to some events
     • Uses documents and inscriptions
     • Interviewed those that were there
   • Good because...
     • Knowledgeable about military and politics
     • Visited the places he wrote about
     • Has first hand accounts of the events
     • Against bias in his sources
     • Wants to record the truth
   • Bad because...
     • Not free from bias
       • Towards Scipio for example

2. Livy

   • His sources
     • Mainly used...
       • Polybius
       • Fabius Pictor
       • Valerias Antias
     • Sometimes vague about sources used
       • "Some authorities suggest..."
     • Other times precise
       • "The author Celsus..."
     • Admits he can't always find the truth
       • "I have no way of telling..."
   • Good because...
     • Includes speeches in his work
     • Provides a lot of facts, figures and details
     • Admits that he can't always find the truth
   • Bad because...
     • Generally biased towards Rome
     • Fails to correct his mistakes
     • Didn't visit the places he wrote about
     • Not experienced in war and politics
     • Doesn't check the reliability of his sources
     • Wasn't there during the events
     • Didn't seek first hand accounts
   • About Him
     • Lived C.59 BC - 17 AD
     • Wrote under Augustus

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