Polybius and the Ethics of Mass-Violence

Abstract

In his Histories, Polybius at times passes judgment on the exercise of mass-violence - including declaring acts 'right and fair in accordance with the laws of war' (5.9), or alternatively 'contrary to principle' (1.88.7). This paper explores Polybius' ethics of mass-violence, which appear prima facie difficult to delimit (Walbank 1957, 264). Thus, when critiquing Philip's destruction of Thermum, Polybius states that 'good men' ought to make war: not to destroy wrong-doers, but to correct them (5.11.5). Yet, in the same book, Polybius praises an exterminatory war by Prusias against some marauding Gauls (5.111). It is possible to outline key aspects of Polybius' ethics of mass-violence despite these apparent contradictions.