Polybius and the founding fathers

From Greece to Rome to America

A Study on Polybius ' Influences on America 's Founding Fathers

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I . Introduction

One of American history 's greatest moments is the American Revolution against British rule in the late eighteenth century , and the landmark Declaration of Independence . The men who risked their lives and by taking part in the revolution , many as part of the Continental Army , and signed their names in the Declaration , are collectively known as the Founding Fathers . As national and political leaders , they

were considered authorities in governing systems and laws , which became the basis for the creation of the Constitution

However , these great men knew the value of history and experience - a value significant enough to figure prominently in their task of crystallizing the freedom they had claimed for the country . They well knowledgeable in the events that had shaped the world at the time , and this included the body of work already established by the iconic Greek and Roman civilizations of centuries past . In creating a new America they had to closely examine the philosophies and systems that had ruled in previous societies , and identify which were successful and which failed to meet their objectives , through succeeding events that would provide validation

The Founding Fathers were mostly learned men who came from prominent families and had access to education , thereby giving them the opportunities to be trained in classical history - a standard requirement for scholarship during those days . Here , they were taught many aspects of Greek and Roman culture , society , history , and government , the lessons from which they were able to carry throughout their adult lives and culminate in their roles as national leaders Among the many scholars , statesmen , and heroes they collectively studied , the ideology and concepts of the Greek historian Polybius provided the Founders with the theoretical framework that best fit their objectives , and echoed the values they had chosen to instill in the newfound freedom that characterized America

II . Polybius of Greece

Born and raised during Greece 's momentous Hellenistic Period , an era of prolific progress and development in art , science , and philosophy Polybius was best known for his book entitled The Histories , which documented Greek life from 220-146 BC . But he was primarily famous for his novel ideas of government and his concept of political balance which was in turn adopted by the Founding Fathers in drafting the United States Constitution

Polybius was a native of the city of Megalopolis , and , by his birthright and privilege in the governing class , he was given many opportunities to be exposed to Greek political and military activities While Lycortas , his father , upheld neutrality during the Roman war against Perseus of Macedonia , Polybius was more inclined and dedicated towards achieving independence of his native Achean League . This resulted in his capture and transport to Rome in 168 BC , where he remained for seventeen years . Polybius ' social status and education received for him the honor of being tutor to the sons of Aemilius Paulus...