Polyaenus

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Polyaenus was an ancient Greek author, known primarily for his work Strategemata, a collection of military strategies. Polyaenus, living during the 2nd century AD, was a contemporary of the Roman emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. Before turning to literature, Polyaenus had a career as a rhetorician, which is evident in the sophisticated style of his writing. His transition from rhetoric to military strategy is unusual and reflects the diverse intellectual pursuits common among scholars of his time.

Life

Little is known about the life of Polyaenus. He was born in Macedonia, but the exact date of his birth remains unclear. His work suggests a deep respect for the Roman Empire, which he regarded as a continuation of the cultural and political legacy of ancient Greece. Polyaenus dedicated his Strategemata to the emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, indicating his desire to gain favor at the Roman court or to contribute to the military education of its leaders.

Work

Strategemata is Polyaenus' most significant contribution to literature and military theory. The work is an anthology of military tactics and clever strategies employed by generals from various historical periods and regions, including Greece, Persia, and Rome. It comprises eight books, although some of the text has been lost over time. Polyaenus compiled these strategies not only from historical records but also from folklore and oral traditions, making Strategemata a rich tapestry of military knowledge.

The strategies described in Strategemata range from battlefield tactics to psychological warfare and espionage. Polyaenus' work is notable for its emphasis on cunning and intelligence over brute force, reflecting the author's rhetorical background and the Greek appreciation for cleverness (metis).

Legacy

Polyaenus' Strategemata has been of interest to military historians and strategists over the centuries. During the Renaissance, his work was rediscovered and valued for its insights into ancient warfare. It has been translated into several languages and remains a subject of study for those interested in military history and strategy.

Polyaenus' approach to military strategy, which prioritizes wit and cunning, has also been influential in the development of theories of warfare and strategy beyond the military sphere, including in business and legal strategy.

See Also

• Military strategy
• Ancient Greece
• Marcus Aurelius
• Lucius Verus