Imperio como dynasteía en Polibio

Abstract

In this article, I analyze the expression holōn árchēs kaì dýnasteías (Pol. I. 3.11), which Polybius uses to describe Rome's universal rule. As a hypothesis, I propose that in this context dynasteía pursues two connected goals. First, it seeks to place the Roman Empire within the catalogue of Hellenistic empires. In other words, it is an exercise of cultural translation through which Rome can be equated to the Hellenistic states. Second, it aims at reaching the first goal without generating tensions with the Roman constitutional system which, unlike the Hellenistic empires, is a republic and not a monarchy.