An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List
Polybius
2 books referenced
Books by Polybius
Referenced in 3 episodes
June 01, 2025
Context:
Multiple quotes from Polybius, described as 'the Greek historian,' providing accounts of Hannibal's campaigns including the descent from the Alps, the Battle of Trebia, and the Battle of Lake Trasimene.
May 28, 2025
Context:
Referenced multiple times throughout the episode as the primary source for Hannibal's crossing of the Alps. Described as 'by far the best and most reliable historian of Hannibal's campaigns' who 'himself went to the Alps' to trace Hannibal's route.
February 29, 2024
Context:
Polybius is quoted extensively throughout the episode as the main Greek historical source for the First Punic War. The hosts read from his account of the war and cite him multiple times for details about battles and events.
Referenced in 1 episode
February 22, 2024
Context:
Polybius is described as 'our great source for much of the story we're going to be telling.' He was a Greek hostage taken to Rome who wrote about how the Mediterranean became a unipolar world ruled by Rome, with the destruction of Carthage as the climax.