The work was written for the co-emperors, Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. Polybius narrates the strategies of the most famous personalities of antiquity, strategies with which they achieved victories against their enemies or occupied and maintained their power. It includes 900 strategies from ancient times to around 168, which is the period in which Polybius lived.
The work is useful for every reader because they can learn with which strategies a battle or war is won (the military aspect of the strategies) and how one can gain power (the social or political aspect of the strategies). It is proven, through Polybius' work, that all powers are the same, regardless of the names given to the regimes. The primary goal of those in power is the acquisition of wealth and strength, and their ultimate goal is to impose their will on others. By knowing the means and methods used by people to seize and maintain power, the reader can safeguard and protect themselves.