Revisiting Zama

[Paralus]

So which one is it Polybius?

 

Far be it for me to presume to answer for the Megalopolitan (!) but, again, we come back to sources and method. It is clear that Polybios had access to much in Rome (and presumably books he brought himself) for he'd the freedom to consult such. He, himself, explains that he'd such as opposed to other Achaians who'd been domiciled outside the capital (3.23.3ff). Now, of course, you're free to reject that testimony just as you do his association with Massinissa and the bronze tablet though it would be wise to note his claim of many visits to Locri and his services rendered (12.5ff) unless this, too, is fabrication. Where does one draw a line> Do we suppose that the histories he claims to have read (and may have used as sources) is also deserving of little, if any, credence?

As stated earlier, there are passages of the work which show signs of later editing and correction. Writing in the days before the technology available today necessitates the missing of such corrections given not all are going to be picked up and, for that matter, which version of the manuscript is being copied (the vagaries of transmission). Polybios is hardly alone with conflicting notices concerning numbers (and other details) - particularly in a work so long. The second passage (2.24) is written not to enumerate Hannibal's forces per se, but to showcase the sheer Roman power the Carthaginian had the hide to contemplate attacking. The source for this is not known to myself but the later passage (3.56.1-4) is replete with march detail and detailed numbers. This, he claims, comes from the bronze tablet which he cites as his source. A tablet Livy also notes and further notes its location - in the temple of Juno Lacinia (Livy, 28.46.16) - a detail not found at all in Polybios' manuscript. Livy, then, has this from somewhere else for, as I say, Polybios does not provide this (unless mentioned elsewhere that I've missed). I'd be strongly inclined to accept the passage based on that document as correct - particularly given the details Polybios narrates from it regarding the disposition of Carthaginian forces prior to Hannibal setting off. Details one finds difficult to accept were invented from whole cloth (and to what purpose?).

The "biases" thread awaits (as does Michael Collins) but time for the mundaneity of housework before a family get together. I'll be in a nursing home before I get anything finished...