Bibliography
| Title: The Gaze in Polybius' Histories Volume: 81 Pages: 10-24 Type: Journal Article Year: 1991 Abstract: Davidson argues that, unlike the historical interpretation that ‘gaze’ is a “substantial unitary reality”, gaze in Polybius is presented through characters and readers and hence identifies multiple gazes. This competition of narratives is especially evident in Book III. Generals’ speeches also represent an element in the “struggle over the interpretation of events” where, for example, Scipio’s analysis of Hannibal’s Alpine crossing evolves into expressing the obstacle, not as the mountains, but as the fear his crossing invoked in the Roman people. The focus of the Histories is on the differing realities and the development and tension of those realities. His basic reasoning lies in the fact that Polybius writes about dangerous deeds, not danger itself, because perceptions lead to greater surprise and reactionary tactics by the opponent. There are the perceptions of the combatants themselves, of third parties assessing the situation, and Macedon and Greek states considering each other. On top of that, Polybius’ readers are looking at all these in turn, reinforcing his belief that one can only understand what one examines from every angle.
Davidson proceeds to discuss the ‘didactic arena’, the simile of readers as spectators in something resembling a boxing match. Polybius often describes war as a fighting contest between: the two opponents, the blows exchanged, the opponent him-/herself, and between the spectators and each opponent. As combatants are aware that they are on show so too is military warfare a show of superiority, and that show of strength can be the obstacle, irregardless of its reality. Davidson believes Polybius chose to focus on the perceptions because they are the more powerful. Finally there are levels in the narrative that enhance these perceptions: the military action level, (the event), the signifying action level, (the perception of that action), and the pathological level involving the response to the perception. Polybius’ focus is again on the second of these, emphasizing how the ‘daring’ of a person accomplishes a specific perception with the intention to weaken or dumbfound the opponent, ensuring victory through demoralization.
According to Davidson, Polybius believed that demonstrations of power were the key in warfare. Hence, he sees the Romans exacting a pre-emptive imperialism, holding off the ambitions of others with their own perceived might. He concludes with a brief sketch of Polybius, and expresses hope that his examination of the gaze in Polybius can be applied to other ancient authors. Keywords: gaze, perception, spectacle, Hannibal, Punic, Scipio, Alps, Ticinus, Trasimene, Aemilius Paullus, Cannae, combatants, demoralization, psychology, morale, Cleomenes, Antiochus, Carthaginian |