In an era when the world had expanded greatly – first with Alexander the Great and then with Rome – Polybius (203-120 BC) decided to write a Universal History. He wanted his History to have "truth as its eye" and to teach, not just to entertain and impress. In this first book, he presents us with the determined Romans and the exotic Celts. He describes thrilling events and harsh wars. He narrates how, when, and by whom the impregnable Sparta was first conquered. And since History always goes hand in hand with Geography, he unfolds the Geography of the World vividly before our eyes. After all, Polybius was not a desk historian. He traveled whenever he had the opportunity and got to know firsthand several regions of Asia, Europe, and Africa.