Polybius was a Greek historian who was born in Arcadia, a Greek city-state, at the end of the 3rd century, when the city was a part of the Archean League. His father was a politician, meaning that Polybius was expected to follow suit. As a young scholar, Polybius enjoyed reading historical works and examining them critically. Polybius’s father, Lycortas, argued for neutrality during the Roman war against Macedon, influencing the young historian’s approach to his work. As an adult, Polybius was a well-respected member of Greek political life and was elected calvary leader during a time of political and military turmoil.

Perseus, the son of Philip V and the king of Macedonia, was embroiled in war with the Romans that his father had started as he sought to take over all of Greece. The king was defeated by the Roman general Scipio, who then rounded up 1,000 prominent Achaeans to be killed or imprisoned. Polybius was among them.

However, his intelligence and privilege afforded him a unique opportunity. After the hostages were released in 150 BCE, the Romans allowed Polybius to return home. While under Roman capture, he had developed a relationship with a young man named Publius Scipio who was the son of a Roman commander.