What is the primary work attributed to the Roman historian Titus Livius, and what are its alternative titles?

The primary work attributed to Titus Livius, commonly known as Livy, is the *History of Rome*. This monumental work may have originally been titled *Annales*, and it is also frequently referred to by the Latin phrase *Ab Urbe Condita*, meaning "From the Founding of the City."

During what period did Livy write his *History of Rome*, and what was its original scope?

Livy wrote his *History of Rome* in Latin between 27 and 9 BC. The original work was intended to cover the entire history of Rome, starting from the legends of Aeneas and the fall of Troy, through the city's founding in 753 BC, the expulsion of the kings in 509 BC, and continuing up to Livy's own time during the reign of Emperor Augustus, with the last event documented being the death of Drusus in 9 BC.

How much of Livy's original *History of Rome* survives today, and what periods do the surviving books cover?

Only about a quarter of Livy's original 142-book *History of Rome* survives today. The extant portions include Books 1-10, covering events down to 293 BC, and Books 21-45, which detail events from 219 BC to 166 BC.

What are the specific time periods covered by the surviving books of Livy's *History of Rome*?

The surviving books of Livy's *History of Rome* cover two main periods: Books 1-10 detail events from the legendary founding of Rome and the period of the kings up to 293 BC. Books 21-45 cover the Second Punic War (218-202 BC) and the Macedonian and other eastern wars from 201 BC to 167 BC.

What challenges exist regarding the manuscripts of Livy's *History of Rome*?

Manuscripts of Livy's work present challenges due to damage, resulting in significant gaps or *lacunae* in certain books, such as Books 41 and 43-45. Additionally, there is no uniform system for classifying and naming these manuscripts, and their relationships to each other can be complex and subject to change as scholarly understanding evolves.

What is the *Periochae*, and what is its significance for understanding Livy's work?

The *Periochae* are summaries of Livy's *History of Rome* created in antiquity, likely in the fourth century. They serve as a valuable resource because they provide a list of the contents for the entire work, including books that are now lost, thus offering insight into the original scope and narrative progression.

What are the earliest periods of Roman history covered in Livy's surviving work?

The earliest periods of Roman history covered in Livy's surviving work are found in Books 1-5. These books detail the foundation myths, including the stories of Aeneas, Romulus and Remus, the period of the Roman Kingdom, and the early Republic up to the expulsion of Tarquinius Superbus in 510 BC.

Which major wars are detailed in the surviving books of Livy's *History of Rome*?

The surviving books of Livy's *History of Rome* detail several major conflicts. Books 1-10 cover wars against the Aequi, Volsci, Etruscans, and Samnites, as well as the Gallic sack of Rome. Books 21-45 extensively cover the Second Punic War and the Macedonian Wars.

What is the significance of the digression in Book 9 of Livy's *History of Rome*?

The digression in Book 9, Sections 17-19, is significant because it presents an early example of alternate history. In this section, Livy speculates that the Romans would have defeated Alexander the Great had he turned his attention westward towards Italy.

How did Livy structure his *History of Rome*, and how was this structure later modified?

Livy originally organized his work into 'packets,' often groups of ten books known as decades, and sometimes groups of five books called pentads. The later innovation by copyists was to divide the entire work strictly into decades, a system that doesn't perfectly align with Livy's original publication and organizational intent.

When were the first five books of Livy's *History of Rome* published?

The first five books of Livy's *History of Rome* were published between 27 and 25 BC. This timeframe is suggested by Livy's use of the title 'Augustus' for the emperor, which was granted in 27 BC, and his omission of the closing of the Temple of Janus in 25 BC, implying the work was written before that event.

What is the Nicomachean family of manuscripts, and why is it important?

The Nicomachean family of manuscripts refers to a group of manuscripts of the first ten books of Livy's *History of Rome* that descend from a recension commissioned by Quintus Aurelius Symmachus. This recension, involving figures like Tascius Victorianus and Nicomachus Flavianus, is crucial as it forms the basis for most surviving copies of the early books of Livy's work.

What is the orthodox view regarding Livy's historical methodology?

The orthodox view, as stated in the text, is that Livy was a "very poor historian indeed, whether by ancient or modern standards." This assessment stems from his reliance solely on earlier histories without conducting primary research, his perceived poor understanding of his sources, and potential deficiencies in his knowledge of Greek, which impacted his use of sources like Polybius.

What was Livy's stated purpose in writing his *History of Rome*?

Livy's stated purpose was not merely to catalog or understand the past, but rather to preserve a "memory" that would equip readers with a sense of "wrong and right" as exemplified by the actions of their predecessors. He aimed to provide moral examples for his audience.

How did the political climate under Emperor Augustus potentially influence Livy's *History of Rome*?

Livy's work was written "under the shadow of the new emperor," Augustus. A key goal was to support the idea that the Augustan principate represented the culmination of Roman history, thus aligning his narrative with the prevailing political ideology of the time.

What criticisms have been leveled against Livy's historical writing, beyond his methodology?

Beyond methodological criticisms, Livy has been criticized for the inaccuracy of his battle accounts, the vagueness of his geography, excessive partiality towards certain figures, and the highly rhetorical nature of his speeches and dramatic narrations. These aspects contribute to the view that his work prioritized literary style over strict historical accuracy.

How did Livy approach the early, legendary periods of Roman history in his work?

Livy acknowledged the difficulties in interpreting and reconciling sources for the early history of Rome, stating that traditions from before the city's foundation were more suited for poetry than historical records. While he included the legendary accounts, such as the story of Romulus and Remus, he also showed skepticism, omitting stories he found improbable, making the early books important for understanding these legends.

Did Livy conduct original research using contemporary documents for his *History of Rome*?

The text suggests Livy did not substantially engage in original research using contemporary documents like inscriptions or senate records, especially for the earlier periods. His approach was more focused on arranging and synthesizing existing narratives, relying heavily on earlier historians and annalists rather than extensive primary source investigation.

What role did the annalistic tradition play in Livy's work?

Livy's work was part of the long-standing Roman "annalistic tradition," which involved writing history year by year. He adopted this structure, including regular announcements of elections, prodigies, and triumphs, to associate his history with traditional Roman historiography and imbue it with an aura of continuity and authority.

Who were some of the key Roman historians Livy drew upon as sources?

Livy drew upon a tradition of Roman historians, including early figures like Quintus Fabius Pictor and Quintus Ennius, as well as later annalists such as Marcius Porcius Cato, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi, and Valerius Antias. However, some of these later annalists are believed to have been less scrupulous and may have invented stories.

What is the relationship between Livy's *History of Rome* and Machiavelli's *Discourses on Livy*?

Niccolò Machiavelli's work, *Discourses on Livy*, is presented as a commentary on Livy's *History of Rome*. Machiavelli uses Livy's account of Roman history as a basis for his own political philosophy regarding republics.

Who produced the first complete English translation of Livy's *History of Rome*, and when?

The first complete rendering of Livy's *Ab Urbe Condita* into English was completed by Philemon Holland and published in 1600. This significant translation was presented in a large folio volume and dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I.

What are some notable modern translations of Livy's *History of Rome*?

Notable modern translations include B.O. Foster's version for the Loeb Classical Library, published in 1919, and a partial translation by Aubrey de Sélincourt for Penguin Classics, released between 1960 and 1965.

What is the purpose of the 'Periochae' in relation to Livy's lost books?

The *Periochae* are summaries of Livy's *History of Rome* that were created in antiquity. Their purpose is to provide a concise overview of the content of the books that are now lost, offering readers a glimpse into the full scope of Livy's original work.

What historical events are covered in Books 31-45 of Livy's *History of Rome*?

Books 31-45 of Livy's *History of Rome* cover the period from 201 BC to 167 BC. This section primarily details the Second Macedonian War and other conflicts in the East, including the Roman-Seleucid War and the Third Macedonian War.

What is the significance of the *Ab Urbe Condita* title?

*Ab Urbe Condita* is a Latin phrase meaning "From the Founding of the City." It is frequently used to refer to Livy's *History of Rome*, indicating the work's chronological starting point and its focus on the city's origins and development.

What information is provided by the table of contents regarding the status of Livy's books?

The table of contents categorizes each book of Livy's *History of Rome* by its status: 'Complete,' 'Almost complete,' 'Fragments,' or 'Lost.' This classification helps scholars understand the extent of the surviving text and the gaps in our knowledge of Livy's work.

What specific events are mentioned in the chronology for Books 1-5 of Livy's work?

Books 1-5 of Livy's work cover the legendary founding of Rome, including the arrival of Aeneas, the story of Romulus and Remus, the period of the kings, and the establishment of the Republic with the expulsion of the kings in 509 BC. They also detail early republican wars and events like the Decemvirate and the Conflict of the Orders.

What does the surviving portion of Book 41 of Livy's *History of Rome* cover?

The surviving portion of Book 41 of Livy's *History of Rome* covers campaigns against the Ligurians, Sardinians, and Celtiberians, as well as the activities of Perseus of Macedon in Greece. This book is described as 'almost complete'.

What is the significance of the Verona Palimpsest in relation to Livy's manuscripts?

The Verona Palimpsest is significant because it contains about 60 leaves of Livy's text covering parts of Books III-VI, with handwriting dated to the 4th century. It represents a second family of manuscripts for the first decade and was reconstructed and published by Theodore Mommsen.

What were Livy's potential sources for the later parts of his history?

For the later parts of his history, which are now lost, Livy would likely have needed to conduct his own research using contemporary testimonies from eyewitnesses, senate records, and speeches of orators. This contrasts with his approach to earlier periods, where he relied more heavily on existing historical accounts.

How did Livy's understanding of Greek influence his use of sources?

The text suggests that Livy's Greek may not have been proficient enough to fully understand one of his major sources, the Greek historian Polybius. This potential language barrier could have impacted his accurate interpretation and use of Polybius's accounts, particularly for events in the East.

What is the meaning of 'annalistic history' as used in relation to Livy's work?

Annalistic history refers to a style of historical writing that organizes events chronologically, year by year. Livy employed this approach, which involved regular announcements of elections, religious observances, and military events, to align with traditional Roman historical writing practices.

What specific events are covered in Book 5 of Livy's *History of Rome*?

Book 5 of Livy's *History of Rome*, which is complete, covers the period from 403 to 387 BC. The main events detailed include the war against Veii and the Sack of Rome by Brennus.

What is the significance of the *Ab Urbe Condita* manuscript dated 1493?

The *Ab Urbe Condita* manuscript dated 1493 is an example of a printed edition of Livy's work from the late 15th century. Such early printed editions were crucial for disseminating classical texts after the invention of the printing press.

What does the phrase 'eponymous magistrates' refer to in the context of Roman dating?

Eponymous magistrates were the officials, typically consuls, whose names were used to identify and date a particular year in the Roman calendar. This practice was common in antiquity, although Livy's work also uses the *Ab Urbe Condita* dating convention.

What was the nature of Livy's engagement with his sources for the early Roman period?

For the early periods, Livy's engagement with sources involved reconciling discrepancies and choosing between conflicting accounts, often using arguments from probability. He generally preferred to maintain the narrative he chose, even if he later identified errors, and rarely cited his sources by name.

What is the 'Nicomachean' recension of Livy's text?

The 'Nicomachean' recension refers to a version of the first ten books of Livy's *History of Rome* that was prepared by Tascius Victorianus under the patronage of Quintus Aurelius Symmachus. It is named after Nicomachus Flavianus, who also contributed to its emendation, and it forms the basis for many later manuscripts.

What specific events are detailed in Book 22 of Livy's *History of Rome*?

Book 22 of Livy's *History of Rome*, which is complete, covers the period from 217 to 216 BC during the Second Punic War. It notably includes accounts of the Roman defeats at the Battle of Lake Trasimene and the Battle of Cannae.

What does the term 'recension' mean in the context of manuscript studies?

A recension is the process of comparing existing manuscripts of a text to produce a new, emended version. The editor creating the recension aims to establish the most accurate text possible based on the available evidence.

What was Livy's perspective on the reliability of early Roman historical traditions?

Livy himself acknowledged the unreliability of early Roman historical traditions, stating in his preface that accounts from before the city's foundation or during its construction were more fitting for poets than historians. He noted the chronological errors and conflicting accounts found in contemporary sources.

What is the significance of the *Annales* as a potential original title for Livy's work?

The *Annales* refers to a style of Roman history that recorded events year by year. If *Annales* was the original title of Livy's work, it would emphasize his adherence to this annalistic tradition, which structured his narrative around annual cycles of events.

What specific events are covered in Book 45 of Livy's *History of Rome*?

Book 45 of Livy's *History of Rome*, described as 'almost complete,' covers the period from 168 to 166 BC. Key events include the conclusion of the Third Macedonian War, the capture of Perseus of Macedon, the Sixth Syrian War, and the triumph of Lucius Aemilius Paullus Macedonicus.

What is the historical context for Livy's mention of the Hercynian Forest?

Livy mentions the Hercynian Forest (modern Black Forest) in Book 9 when comparing its difficulty to the Ciminian Forest in Italy. He notes that the Hercynian Forest was first opened up by the Roman generals Nero Claudius Drusus and Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, placing it within the context of Roman expansion into Germania.

What does the phrase 'sine qua non' mean in relation to Livy's writing in Golden Age Latin curricula?

The phrase *sine qua non* means 'an essential condition' or something indispensable. Livy's writing is considered a *sine qua non* for Latin curricula because his prose in the first and third decades is exceptionally well-crafted and considered essential for studying Golden Age Latin.

What was the nature of the 'Nicomachean' recension's influence on Livy's manuscript tradition?

The Nicomachean recension, commissioned by Symmachus and involving figures like Nicomachus Flavianus, established a specific lineage for the manuscripts of the first ten books of Livy's work. Most surviving copies of these early books are derived from this particular recension, making it a critical point in the transmission of the text.

What specific events are covered in Book 10 of Livy's *History of Rome*?

Book 10 of Livy's *History of Rome*, which is complete, covers the period from 303 to 293 BC. It details the Third Samnite War and includes the notable sacrifice of Publius Decius Mus.

What is the significance of the *Annales maximi* in relation to Livy's sources?

The *Annales maximi* were official records kept by the Pontifex Maximus in ancient Rome. The text indicates that Livy did not use these records, nor did he actively seek out inscriptions or other primary documents, suggesting a reliance on secondary sources rather than direct archival research.

What does the image caption describe regarding Livy I.4?

The image caption describes an altar panel from Ostia depicting scenes from Livy I.4. It illustrates Father Tiber observing the she-wolf (*lupa*) nourishing Romulus and Remus, with herders about to find them, and includes representations of a goat and an eagle (*aquila*), symbolizing the wildness of the location and Roman identity.

What is the significance of the *Ab Urbe Condita* dating convention mentioned in the article?

The *Ab Urbe Condita* (AUC) dating convention, meaning 'from the founding of the city,' is a method of numbering years starting from Rome's legendary foundation in 753 BC. While it was possible to use this system, Roman historians often dated events by the consuls of the year, making the AUC convention a specific choice for historical reference.

What specific events are covered in Book 3 of Livy's *History of Rome*?

Book 3 of Livy's *History of Rome*, which is complete, covers the period from 467 to 446 BC. The primary event detailed in this book is the establishment and actions of the Decemvirate.

History Of Rome Livy Wiki: Livy's Annals: Chronicle of Rome's Foundation and Expansion

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The Monumental Corpus

Scope and Scale

Titus Livius' monumental work, originally titled Annales and commonly known as Ab Urbe Condita (From the Founding of the City), chronicled the history of ancient Rome. It commenced with the legendary narratives surrounding Aeneas and the fall of Troy, tracing Rome's founding in 753 BC, the overthrow of the monarchy in 509 BC, and continued through Livy's own time, concluding with the death of Nero Claudius Drusus in 9 BC. The original work comprised 142 books.

Extant Content

Regrettably, only a fraction of Livy's vast history survives. Approximately 35 books, constituting about a quarter of the original work, remain extant. These surviving books cover the period from Rome's foundation up to 293 BC (Books 1–10) and the events from 219 BC to 166 BC (Books 21–45). The loss of the majority of the text represents a significant gap in our understanding of Roman history.

Fragments and Testimonies

Knowledge of the lost portions comes from various sources. Fragmentary evidence exists through quotes preserved by later authors, such as Seneca the Elder's account of Cicero's death. Additionally, discoveries like a 5th-century palimpsest fragment from the Vatican Library and papyrus fragments found in Egypt provide glimpses into previously unknown material, though often in very limited quantities.

Ancient Summaries: Abridgements

The Epitome and Periochae

In antiquity, Livy's extensive work was abridged. An *epitome* survives for Book 1, providing a summary. More significantly, the *Periochae* exist for the entire work (except for books 136 and 137). These are essentially concise lists of the contents of each book, offering a skeletal overview of the historical narrative covered.

Oxyrhynchus Papyri

Excavations at Oxyrhynchus in Egypt yielded papyrus fragments containing summaries of Livy's work. One notable find includes summaries of books 37–40 and 47–55. Another fragment, P.Oxy.XI 1379, preserves a passage from Book 1, demonstrating a high degree of textual fidelity. However, these papyri are often damaged and incomplete.

Chronological Scope

Coverage of Livy's History

Livy's 142 books covered a vast span of Roman history. The surviving books provide detailed accounts of specific periods, while the lost books cover crucial eras, including the Punic Wars, Macedonian Wars, and the tumultuous civil wars leading up to the Augustan Principate.

The work can be broadly divided into periods based on its content:

Books 1–5: Founding myths, Roman Kingdom, early Republic up to 390 BC.
Books 6–10: Wars with Aequi, Volsci, Etruscans, and Samnites, down to 292 BC.
Books 11–20 (Lost): Period from 292 to 218 BC, including the First Punic War.
Books 21–30 (Extant): The Second Punic War (218–202 BC).
Books 31–45 (Extant): Macedonian and Eastern Wars (201–167 BC).
Books 46–70 (Lost): From 167 BC to the Social War (91 BC).
Books 71–90 (Lost): Civil wars of Marius and Sulla, up to Sulla's death (78 BC).
Books 91–116 (Lost): From 78 BC through the Gallic Wars and Caesar's Civil War (50 BC), to Caesar's assassination (44 BC).
Books 117–133 (Lost): Wars of the Triumvirs, culminating in Antony's defeat and death (44–30 BC).
Books 134–142 (Lost): Augustus' reign down to Drusus' death (9 BC).

Key Periods Covered

The surviving sections are particularly rich in detail regarding the early Republic and the major conflicts like the Second Punic War and the wars against Macedon. Livy's narrative style, characterized by its annalistic structure, provides a year-by-year account of political events, military campaigns, religious observances, and omens, creating a comprehensive tapestry of Roman life.

Detailed Chronology of Books

Surviving and Lost Books

The table below outlines the chronological coverage of Livy's *History of Rome*, indicating the status of each book (Complete, Fragments, Lost) and the primary events detailed within the surviving portions.

Book	Status	Years Covered	Main Events
1	Complete	Down to 510 BC	Foundation myths (Aeneas, Romulus & Remus), Roman Kingdom, expulsion of Tarquin the Proud.
2	Complete	509–468 BC	Foundation of the Republic, wars against Tarquinius Superbus & Porsena, Secession of the Plebs.
3	Complete	467–446 BC	The Decemvirate.
4	Complete	445–404 BC	Conflict of the Orders, murder of Spurius Maelius, war against Fidenates.
5	Complete	403–387 BC	War against Veii, Sack of Rome by Brennus.
6	Complete	387–366 BC	Story of Marcus Manlius Capitolinus, Leges Liciniae Sextiae.
7	Complete	366–342 BC	Stories of Titus Manlius Torquatus & Marcus Valerius Corvus, First Samnite War.
8	Complete	341–322 BC	First Samnite War, Latin War.
9	Complete	321–304 BC	Second Samnite War, Caudine Forks, alternate history with Alexander the Great.
10	Complete	303–293 BC	Third Samnite War, sacrifice of Publius Decius Mus.
11-20	Lost	292–218 BC	Third Samnite War conclusion, First Punic War.
21-30	Complete	219–201 BC	Second Punic War (Battles of Trebia, Lake Trasimene, Cannae; Fall of Syracuse; Battle of Zama).
31-45	Complete	201–166 BC	Second Macedonian War, Third Macedonian War (Battle of Pydna), Syrian War (Treaty of Apamea).
46-142	Lost	165 BC – 9 BC	Subsequent Roman history, including Punic Wars, Macedonian Wars, Civil Wars, and Augustan Age.

Livy's Narrative Style

Annalistic Tradition

Livy employed a predominantly annalistic style, organizing his narrative chronologically on a year-by-year basis. This involved regular announcements of elections, prodigies, dedications, and triumphs, grounding his history in the traditional Roman method of recording events. This structure imbued his work with a sense of continuity and pontifical authority.

Rhetoric and Digressions

While praised for its literary quality, particularly in the earlier surviving books, Livy's style is also noted for its rhetorical flourishes, including speeches and dramatic narrations. Some critics suggest a decline in quality in later books, becoming repetitive. A notable digression in Book 9 presents an early example of alternate history, pondering Rome's potential victory over Alexander the Great.

Publication and Structure

Phased Release

Livy published his *History* in installments over many years, responding to popular demand. The first five books were released between 27 and 25 BC. The second pentad (Books 6–10) appeared around 9 BC, approximately 16 years later. This phased publication influenced the work's structure, which was later organized by copyists into groups of books, primarily decades (groups of 10).

Augustan Context

Written during the reign of Emperor Augustus, Livy's work implicitly supported the new regime, framing the Augustan principate as the culmination of Roman history. The text reflects the political and cultural climate of the Augustan age, aiming to preserve Roman memory and provide moral exemplars for his readers.

Manuscript Traditions

The Nicomachean Family

The manuscripts of the first decade (Books 1–10) largely derive from a single recension commissioned by Quintus Aurelius Symmachus around 391 AD. This tradition, involving emendations by figures like Tascius Victorianus and Nicomachus Flavianus, resulted in the "Nicomachean" family of manuscripts, represented by various copies like Veronensis, Harleianus, and Parisiensis, mostly dating from the 10th century.

Other Traditions

A second family for the first decade includes the Verona Palimpsest (4th century), containing fragments of Books III–VI. While medieval rumors persisted about the survival of complete lost books in monastic libraries, these proved unsubstantiated. The transmission history highlights the challenges in reconstructing Livy's complete text.

Key manuscripts associated with the Nicomachean tradition include:

Letter	Location & Number	Name	Date
V	Veronensis rescriptus	Veronensis	10th century
H	Harleianus	Harleianus	10th century
E	Einsiedlensis	Einsiedlensis	10th century
F	Paris 5724	Floriacensis	10th century
P	Paris 5725	Parisiensis	9th/10th century
M	Mediceus-Laurentianus	Mediceus-Laurentianus	10th/11th century
U	Upsaliensis	Upsaliensis	10th/11th century
R	Vaticanus 3329	Romanus	11th century
O	Bodleianus 20631	Oxoniensis	11th century
D	Florentinus-Marcianus	Dominicanus	12th century
A	Agennensis	Agennensis (Petrarch's copy)	12th–14th century

Historical Accuracy and Intent

Critical Perspectives

Scholarly assessment of Livy's historical methodology is varied. Some view him as a "poor historian," citing his reliance on earlier sources without primary research and occasional inconsistencies or poor understanding of Greek sources like Polybius. The quality of later books is sometimes debated, with suggestions of repetition and wordiness.

Livy's Purpose

However, Livy's primary aim was not merely factual cataloging but moral instruction—preserving a "memory" that equips readers with a sense of "right and wrong" exemplified by Roman predecessors. His work served to legitimize the Augustan regime and provide a narrative of Roman greatness, emphasizing rhetorical and literary quality alongside historical account.

Early History Challenges

Livy himself acknowledged the difficulty in verifying the earliest periods of Rome, noting that traditions were often "more fitted to adorn the creations of the poet than the authentic records of the historian." While he attempted to reconcile sources and omitted improbable stories, his approach to ensuring internal consistency and handling source unreliability remains a subject of academic discussion.

Foundation of Livy's Work

Annalistic and Narrative Sources

Livy drew upon a rich tradition of Roman historiography, including earlier annalists like Quintus Fabius Pictor, Cato the Elder, and Valerius Antias. He also utilized Greek historians, notably Polybius for eastern affairs. While he didn't typically cite sources directly, his principle was often to relay what he had been told, synthesizing material for narrative effect.

Primary Sources and Limitations

Livy did not extensively consult primary documents like the *libri lintei* or *annales maximi*, nor did he engage in extensive archival research. The transmission of authoritative records and senate archives was itself complex, potentially leading to inaccuracies. His method involved reconciling discrepancies through arguments from probability, aiming for a compelling narrative rather than strict source criticism.

Enduring Legacy and Influence

Machiavelli and Beyond

Livy's *History* profoundly influenced later thinkers. Niccolò Machiavelli's *Discourses on Livy* presents a direct commentary on Livy's work, using Roman history as a basis for political analysis. The literary quality of Livy's prose, especially in the surviving sections, made him a staple of Latin curricula during the Renaissance and beyond.

Translations and Accessibility

The first complete English translation by Philemon Holland appeared in 1600. Later significant translations include B.O. Foster's work for the Loeb Classical Library and Aubrey de Sélincourt's version for Penguin Classics. These translations have made Livy's narrative accessible to generations of readers and scholars worldwide.

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References

The Oxyrhynchus Papyri, part XI, London, 1915, pagg. 188-89.

Broughton 1951, pp. xi, 94â96, 141, 148, 149, 163, 164, 171.

Niebuhr, ed. Schmitz, 1844 The History of Rome vol. I. p.56

Nieburh, ed. Schmitz, 1844 The History of Rome vol. I. p.57

Foster (1874), p. xi, citing Livy I.19.

Niebuhr (1844), p. 39, citing Livy IX.36.

Cornell 1995, p. 6. Cornell is amenable to the position that these late annalists relied on other now-lost works rather than invention.

A full list of references for this article are available at the History of Rome (Livy) Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended as a supplementary resource for advanced students of classical history and literature.

This is not a substitute for primary source analysis or scholarly critique. Users are encouraged to consult original texts, critical editions, and peer-reviewed academic research for a comprehensive understanding of Livy's *History of Rome*. The AI does not provide historical interpretation beyond summarizing the provided source data.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Livy's Annals: Chronicle of Rome's Foundation and Expansion

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Monumental Corpus 📚

🏛️ Scope and Scale

📜 Extant Content

fragment Fragments and Testimonies

Ancient Summaries: Abridgements ✍️

📝 The Epitome and Periochae

🏺 Oxyrhynchus Papyri

Chronological Scope ⏳

📅 Coverage of Livy's History

📊 Key Periods Covered

Detailed Chronology of Books 📅

📖 Surviving and Lost Books

Livy's Narrative Style 🖋️

📜 Annalistic Tradition

🗣️ Rhetoric and Digressions

Publication and Structure 📅

⏳ Phased Release

🏛️ Augustan Context

Manuscript Traditions 📜

📜 The Nicomachean Family

📜 Other Traditions

Historical Accuracy and Intent ❓

🤔 Critical Perspectives

💡 Livy's Purpose

❓ Early History Challenges

Foundation of Livy's Work 🔍

📚 Annalistic and Narrative Sources

🏛️ Primary Sources and Limitations

Enduring Legacy and Influence ➡️

🧠 Machiavelli and Beyond

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The Monumental Corpus

Scope and Scale

Extant Content

Fragments and Testimonies

Ancient Summaries: Abridgements

The Epitome and Periochae

Oxyrhynchus Papyri

Chronological Scope

Coverage of Livy's History

Key Periods Covered

Detailed Chronology of Books

Surviving and Lost Books

Livy's Narrative Style

Annalistic Tradition

Rhetoric and Digressions

Publication and Structure

Phased Release

Augustan Context

Manuscript Traditions

The Nicomachean Family

Other Traditions

Historical Accuracy and Intent

Critical Perspectives

Livy's Purpose

Early History Challenges

Foundation of Livy's Work

Annalistic and Narrative Sources

Primary Sources and Limitations

Enduring Legacy and Influence

Machiavelli and Beyond

Translations and Accessibility

Teacher's Corner

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Gamer's Corner

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References

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