Delphi Complete Works of Polyaenus

by Polyaenus of Bithynia, Delphi Classics (Editor), R. Shepherd (Translator)

A second century Macedonian rhetorician, Polyaenus composed ‘Stratagems’, a historical collection of maxims on military strategy, outlining the exploits of famous generals from the Greek and Roman world. The work was dedicated to the emperors Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius, to aid them in their Roman-Parthian War of 161-166. Despite its many errors of judgment and fact, the eight books of ‘Stratagems’ offer much historical value, regaling tales of past glories, cunning exploits and entertaining anecdotes. Delphi’s Ancient Classics series provides eReaders with the wisdom of the Classical world, offering both English translations and the original Greek texts. This eBook presents Polyaenus’ complete extant works, with illustrations, an informative introduction and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version 1)

* Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Polyaenus’ life and works
* Features the complete extant works of Polyaenus, in both English translation and the original Greek
* Concise introduction to the text
* R. Shepherd’s 1793 translation
* Excellent formatting of the texts
* Easily locate the sections you want to read with individual contents tables
* Provides a special dual English and Greek text, allowing readers to compare the sections paragraph by paragraph — ideal for students
* A brief bonus biography — discover Polyaenus’ ancient world



The Translation
Stratagems (c. 163)

The Greek Text
Contents of the Greek Text

The Dual Text
Dual Greek and English Text

The Biography
Polyaenus (1911)

1335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2025