Polybius vs. Livy on the Second Punic War Essay

Introduction

The Second Punic War (the War) was the conflict between Rome and Carthago. Many historians have attempted to interpret the events preceding it. However, the works by Polybius and Livy typically draw the most attention. While these historians agree on the origins of War, there is a slight disagreement in terms of interpreting the actual causes. In this context, Livy’s opinion proves to be more objective.

Polybius

The term “origins” describes the issue’s root, whereas “causes” refers to more specific factors contributing to the event’s occurrence. In terms of the former, Rome’s and Cartago’s ambitions can be considered the origins of the War.¹ Regarding the causes, Polybius emphasizes the “wrath of the Barcids,” Hannibal’s family members, the Roman seizure of Sardinia, and the success of Carthago in Spain as the main reasons.² The following events are then deemed as the actual War events.

Livy

In his work, Livy often references Polybius’ work regarding the War. For instance, he generally agrees with Polybius on its origins and causes.³ However, Livy devotes a lot of attention to the siege and acquisition of Saguntum by Hannibal. Namely, Livy considers it the fourth and final cause of the War.⁴ As the former was bound by the alliance agreement with the city, it could no longer ignore Carthago’s advances in the region.

Comparison

Overall, the only difference between Polybius’ and Livy’s interpretations of the origins and causes of the War lies in whether the Saguntum issue should be considered the beginning or another cause of the War. According to Polybius, capturing Saguntum is the execution of Hannibal’s already prepared plans and, thus, the declaration of war.⁵ However, Livy comments that Rome at that time was preoccupied with Illyria.⁶ In this context, Polybius’ point of view omits the Roman preoccupation with other issues and the actual war declaration in the form of an ultimatum.⁷ Therefore, all four mentioned events should be recognized as the causes.

Conclusion

While there is a general consensus between Polybius and Levy in terms of the origins and the causes of the War, the latter managed to describe the War’s background more objectively. Originating from the conflict sides’ ambitions, the War was caused by the attitude of Carthago’s generals toward Rome, Rome’s illegal actions after the First Punic War, and Carthago’s advances in Spain, including the siege of Saguntum – Rome’s ally. Consequently, the War began after Carthago’s negative response to Rome’s ultimatum.

Bibliography

Luce, Torrey James. Livy. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2019.

Polybius. The Histories, Volume II. Translated by William Roger Paton. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1922.

Footnotes

1. Polybius, The Histories, Volume II, trans. William Roger Paton (Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1922), 21.
2. Polybius, The Histories, 25-27.
3. Luce, Torrey James, Livy (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2019), 72.
4. Luce, Livy, 55.
5. Polybius, The Histories, 17.
6. Luce, Livy, 55.
7. Polybius, The Histories, 23.