A reassessment of Philip V of Macedon in Polybios' Histories
This thesis offers a new evaluation of Philip V of Macedon (221-179 BC) through a reassessment of his portrait in our primary literary source, Polybios of Megalopolis. Chapter 1 introduces the topic and explores how Polybiosâ presentation of his content, including Philip, is greatly dependent on his intention to produce a pragmatic, didactic, universal history, facilitated by the unifying concepts of symploke and tyche. Chapter 2 investigates Polybiosâ Achaian background, patriotism and admiration of the Achaian leader Aratos, and how this political bias shapes Philipâs depiction. Chapter 3 questions the validity of the historianâs claim that the king suddenly turned from a brilliant king to a treacherous tyrant in 215 BC, and reveals how Polybios overemphasises this change to explain the kingâs downfall, encourage correct political and moral behaviour, and defend Aratos and the Leagueâs association with the king. Chapter 4 assesses Polybiosâ conviction that Philipâs treatment of his Greek allies turned deceitful after his change for the worse in 215, and reveals how his statements are exaggerated and once again in pursuit of vilifying the king, justifying the Leagueâs defection to Rome in
Nicholson, Emma Louise
A reassessment of Philip V of Macedon in Polybios' Histories. This thesis offers a new evaluation of Philip V of Macedon (221-179 BC) through a reassessment of his portrait in our primary literary source, Polybios of Megalopolis. Chapter 1 introduces the topic and explores how Polybiosâ presentation of his content, including Philip, is greatly dependent on his intention to produce a pragmatic, didactic, universal history, facilitated by the unifying concepts of symploke and tyche. Chapter 2 investigates Polybiosâ Achaian background, patriotism and admiration of the Achaian leader Aratos, and how this political bias shapes Philipâs depiction. Chapter 3 questions the validity of the historianâs claim that the king suddenly turned from a brilliant king to a treacherous tyrant in 215 BC, and reveals how Polybios overemphasises this change to explain the kingâs downfall, encourage correct political and moral behaviour, and defend Aratos and the Leagueâs association with the king. Chapter 4 assesses Polybiosâ conviction that Philipâs treatment of his Greek allies turned deceitful after his change for the worse in 215, and reveals how his statements are exaggerated and once again in pursuit of vilifying the king, justifying the Leagueâs defection to Rome in
reassessment histories offer_new evaluation reassessment portrait primary literary_source introduces topic explores presentation content include greatly dependent intention produce pragmatic didactic universal history facilitate unifying concept investigates background patriotism admiration leader political bias shape depiction question_validity historian claim king suddenly turn king tyrant reveal change explain king downfall encourage correct political moral behaviour defend league association king ass conviction treatment greek ally turn change reveals statement exaggerate pursuit king justify league rome