Original Author: Livy (Titus Livius)
Original Date Written: Between 27 BCE and 9 CE
Translator: T. James Luce
Description
Livy's History of Rome (Ab Urbe Condita) is a monumental work chronicling the history of Rome from its legendary founding in 753 BCE to Livy's contemporary era during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Written in Latin, this extensive history originally spanned 142 books, though only 35 books survive today. These surviving volumes cover key events, including the founding myths of Rome, the establishment of the Republic, and pivotal moments in Rome's early expansion.
Livy masterfully blends myth and history, recounting tales like the story of Romulus and Remus, the noble sacrifice of Lucretia, and the heroism of Horatius at the bridge. His work also delves into the political and military struggles that shaped Rome, offering insights into the values and virtues that defined Roman society.
While Livy's narrative is celebrated for its vivid storytelling and moral lessons, it is not strictly a factual account. Instead, it serves as a patriotic homage to Rome's greatness, aiming to inspire and educate his audience. History of Rome remains an essential resource for understanding the cultural and historical foundations of ancient Rome, offering timeless lessons on leadership, resilience, and civic duty.
Where to Find This Work
The History of Rome, Books 01–08
Credit: Livy (Titus Livius); translated by D. Spillan
Summary: This translation presents the first eight surviving books of Livy's monumental history of Rome. Covering the legendary founding of the city, the age of kings, and the early Roman Republic, these books recount the stories of figures such as Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Horatius, Cincinnatus, and Lucretia while exploring the traditions, wars, and political struggles that shaped Rome's earliest centuries.
Publication Date: c. 27 BCE – 9 BCE; Reprinted: 1853. Updated: December 2, 2018
The History of Rome, Books 09–26
Author: Livy (59 BCE – 17 CE); Translators: D. (Daniel) Spillan and Cyrus R. Edmonds
Summary: This volume contains Books 9–26 of Livy's History of Rome, chronicling Rome's expansion throughout Italy and its struggle against Carthage during the Second Punic War. These books include some of the most famous episodes in Roman history, including Hannibal's invasion of Italy, the battles of Lake Trasimene and Cannae, and Rome's gradual recovery during one of the greatest crises in its history.
Date Written: c. 27 BCE – 9 BCE
The History of Rome, Books 27–36
Author: Livy (59 BCE – 17 CE); Translator: Cyrus R. Edmond
Summary: This translation presents Books 27–36 of Livy's History of Rome, covering the later years of the Second Punic War and Rome's growing influence across the Mediterranean. The narrative follows the defeat of Hannibal, Rome's conflicts in Greece and Macedonia, and the transformation of the Roman Republic from a regional power into a dominant Mediterranean state.
Date Written: c. 27 BCE – 9 BCE
The History of Rome, Books 37 to the End
Author: Livy (59 BCE – 17 CE); Translator: William A. McDevitte
Summary: This volume contains the final surviving books of Livy's History of Rome, together with summaries and fragments of the books now lost. It chronicles Rome's eastern campaigns, wars against Antiochus and Macedon, and the republic's emergence as the dominant power of the Mediterranean world. The inclusion of epitomes and surviving fragments also offers readers a glimpse into portions of Livy's vast original work that no longer survive.
Date Written: c. 27 BCE – 9 BC
The History of Rome: The Only Complete and Unabridged Edition in One Volume
Credit: Titus Livy (Author), Jake E. Stief (Editor), D Spillan (Translator), Cyrus Edmonds (Translator), William A M'Devitte (Translator)
Summary:
A complete single-volume presentation of Livy's monumental history of Rome, bringing together the surviving books, translations, and fragments into an accessible modern edition. The work traces Rome's development from its legendary origins to its emergence as a Mediterranean power.
Publication Date: January 23, 2018
Book Information:
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