Question

What is the purpose of paragraph 1.2 in Polybius' Histories? Which three earlier states/empires are mentioned here?

Option 1: To describe Rome's geography; Greece, Carthage, and Egypt.
Option 2: To introduce Rome's political system; Athens, Sparta, and Persia.
Option 3: To discuss Rome's military tactics; China, India, and Babylon.
Option 4: To narrate Rome's cultural achievements; Phoenicia, Assyria, and Greece.

Answer 1

The purpose of paragraph 1.2 in Polybius' Histories is to introduce Rome's political system, comparing it with those of Athens, Sparta, and Persia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of paragraph 1.2 in Polybius' Histories is Option 2: To introduce Rome's political system; within this context, Polybius refers to three earlier states/empires known for their own distinctive governance structures, namely Athens, Sparta, and Persia. These ancient societies are benchmarked to showcase Rome's unique mixed constitution which drew from the strengths of each. Athens represented democracy, Sparta oligarchy, and Persia monarchy, all of which influenced Rome's composite political system.

This passage reflects on the resilience and adaptability of the Roman system, comparing it to these prior civilizations to illustrate the evolution of Rome's political structure and its differentiation from earlier forms of governance. Also, the reflection of Rome's system highlights the historical transition from the Hellenistic Age, with its various forms of political control, to the rise of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, encapsulating a critical moment of cultural and political change in the ancient Mediterranean world.