But even granting a definite act of foundation (on which see Mommsen, H. of R. vol. i. p. 4), the Olympic register before 672 B.C. is a very uncertain foundation on which to build. See Journal of Hellenic Studies, vol. ii. p. 164 sq.
[267] From Eusebius. It may be noted that this statement of Polybius is an earlier evidence than any other for the existence of an Olympian register prior to B.C. 600. Pausanias also dates the register from the year of Coroebus’s victory (5, 8, 6).
[268] I have translated this passage as it stands in the various editions of Polybius. But I feel convinced that none of it belongs to him except the first sentence. It comes from Athenaeus, 440 E.
[269] See Livy, i, 34. Dionys. Halic. 3, 46.
[270] Hesiod, Works and Days, 40, νήπιοι· οὐδὲ ἴσασιν ὅσῳ πλέον ἥμισυ παντός.
[271] Polybius is perhaps referring to the Acrocorinthus especially. But we must remember that many of the citadels in the third century B.C. were in the hands of Macedonian garrisons.
[272] This has been referred by some to the account of Scipio Aemilianus’s single combat with the Spaniard. See 35, [5].
[273] Perhaps L. Postumius, Livy, 23, 24 (Hultsch).
[274] B.C. 272. Plutarch, Pyrrh. 31-34.
[275] See Pausan. i. 9, 6. His disaster compelled him to give up his dominions beyond the Danube. Another and more successful war in Thrace seems referred to in Diod. Sic. 18, 14.