Ruins at Pydna, near the site of the Battle of Pydna, which marked the final destruction of Alexander’s empire and introduced Roman authority over the Near East. Polybius’ father, Lycortas, was a prominent advocate of neutrality during the Roman war against Perseus of Macedonia. Lycortas attracted the suspicion of the Romans and following the battle, Polybius was selected as one of the 1,000 Achaean nobles to be taken to Rome as a hostage in 167 BC. Polybius was detained there for 17 years.