Editing Polybius (section)

==Personal experiences==
Polybius's father, Lycortas, was a prominent advocate of neutrality during the Roman war against [[Perseus of Macedon|Perseus]] of [[Macedon]] in 171-168 BC. Lycortas attracted the suspicion of the Romans, and Polybius subsequently was one of the 1,000 [[Achaea (ancient region)|Achaean]] nobles who were transported to Rome as hostages in 167 BC, and was detained there for 17 years. In Rome, by virtue of his high culture, Polybius was admitted to the most distinguished houses, in particular to that of [[Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus]], the conqueror in the [[Third Macedonian War]], who entrusted Polybius with the education of his sons, Fabius and [[Scipio Aemilianus]] (who had been adopted by the eldest son of [[Scipio Africanus]]). Polybius remained on cordial terms with his former pupil Scipio Aemilianus and was among the members of the [[Scipionic Circle]].

When Scipio defeated the [[Carthaginians]] in the [[Third Punic War]], Polybius remained his counsellor. The Achaean hostages were released in 150 BC, and Polybius was granted leave to return home, but the next year he went on campaign with Scipio Aemilianus to Africa, and was present at the [[Siege of Carthage (Third Punic War)|Sack of Carthage]] in 146, which he later described. Following the destruction of Carthage, Polybius likely journeyed along the Atlantic coast of Africa, as well as Spain.

After the [[Battle of Corinth (146 BC)|destruction of Corinth]] in the same year, Polybius returned to Greece, making use of his Roman connections to lighten the conditions there. Polybius was charged with the difficult task of organizing the new form of government in the Greek cities, and in this office he gained great recognition.