An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

Polybius

2 books referenced

Books by Polybius

The Histories

Referenced in 3 episodes

570. Hannibal: The Invasion of Italy (Part 3)

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.

569. Hannibal: Elephants Cross the Alps (Part 2)

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.

424. Carthage vs. Rome: Total War (Part 4)

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.

Histories

Referenced in 1 episode

422. Ancient Carthage: Rise of a Superpower (Part 2)

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.