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Which years did Polybius originally plan to cover in the Histories?

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Marble statue of Polybius seated with one arm raised, draped in classical robes, against a blue sky in Vienna, Austria. The base is inscribed with the name Polybius. — Polybius Polybius, statue in Vienna.

Polybius originally planned for his work, The Histories, to cover a 53-year period, spanning from 220 to 168 BCE. This timeframe was intended to document the era during which Rome established itself as a global power, beginning with Hannibal’s campaign in Spain and concluding with the Battle of Pydna.1

While this was his initial scope, Polybius later modified his plan in Book III. He decided to extend his coverage to include the period following 168 BCE, ultimately concluding his narrative with the destruction of Carthage in 146 BCE.1