Cyclical view of history:
Polybius believed in a cyclical pattern of rise and fall in empires, where states would eventually become corrupted by their own success and eventually collapse.
Analysis of Roman constitution:
While initially praising the Roman Republic’s mixed government as a safeguard against tyranny, Polybius later warned that even this system could be undermined by internal power struggles and corruption if left unchecked.
Signs of decline:
Polybius observed signs of potential downfall in Rome, such as growing wealth disparity, political factionalism, and an increasing reliance on military might to maintain power.
Impact of his observations:
Although he did not live to see the fall of the Roman Empire, Polybius’ analysis of the Republic’s potential weaknesses provided valuable insights into the factors that contributed to its eventual decline.
The Roman Empire had a good 500 years to go when he died. He called it. I’ve been looking into the fall of the Roman Empire and the parallels with the American Empire are stark. Things just happen much faster now. What used to take hundreds of years now takes decades.
Polybius lived during the Republic era, where the consul (equivalent to a president today) would be elected to rule for only 1 year. He died roughly 90 years before the empire formed.
lol holy shit he’s gonna destroy the whole empire 🤣
Analysis of Roman constitution: While initially praising the Roman Republic’s mixed government as a safeguard against tyranny, Polybius later warned that even this system could be undermined by internal power struggles and corruption if left unchecked.
Signs of decline: Polybius observed signs of potential downfall in Rome, such as growing wealth disparity, political factionalism, and an increasing reliance on military might to maintain power.
Impact of his observations: Although he did not live to see the fall of the Roman Empire, Polybius’ analysis of the Republic’s potential weaknesses provided valuable insights into the factors that contributed to its eventual decline.
The Roman Empire had a good 500 years to go when he died. He called it. I’ve been looking into the fall of the Roman Empire and the parallels with the American Empire are stark. Things just happen much faster now. What used to take hundreds of years now takes decades.
US speedrun: Empire rise and fall any%
Polybius lived during the Republic era, where the consul (equivalent to a president today) would be elected to rule for only 1 year. He died roughly 90 years before the empire formed.