Livy

Titus-Livius-Austrian-Parliament-Building

Ab Urbe condita

Briosco Titus Livius

Livy, born Titus Livius (59 BC – AD 17), was a Roman historian who penned one of the most comprehensive accounts of ancient Rome's history in his work, Ab Urbe Condita Libri (Books from the Foundation of the City), spanning from the mythical founding of Rome in 753 BC through to his own time. Livy's work is a significant source for modern understanding of Roman history, culture, and society.

Life

Little is known about Livy's life beyond what can be inferred from his writings and a few external sources. He was born in Patavium (modern Padua), in the Veneto region of northern Italy, which was not a part of Rome's territories at his birth but was later incorporated into the Roman state. Livy moved to Rome in his adulthood, where he spent most of his life. He was known to have been on friendly terms with the Augustan family, particularly with Augustus himself, which might have influenced his access to sources and the dissemination of his work.

Works

Livy's magnum opus, Ab Urbe Condita, originally consisted of 142 books, of which only 35 books survive in substantial form today. These books cover the history from Rome's founding up to 9 BC. Livy's history is noted for its detailed narrative and vivid portrayals of key figures and events. While his work is invaluable for historical research, it is also recognized that Livy sometimes prioritized a good story over strict adherence to facts, and his accounts are often more reflective of the moral and cultural values of his own time rather than objective history.

Style and Influence

Livy's writing style is characterized by its classical Latin prose, aiming to entertain as well as educate his readers. His influence on the historiography of Rome is immense, shaping the narrative of Roman history for subsequent generations. Livy's work was a key source for later historians and writers, including Tacitus, Plutarch, and Machiavelli.

Historical Context

Livy wrote during the Augustan Age, a period marked by significant political and cultural transformation in Rome. The Augustan Age saw the consolidation of Augustus' power and the establishment of the Roman Empire, following the tumultuous years of the Roman Republic's decline. Livy's work reflects the Augustan ideals of restoring traditional Roman virtues and values, which had been eroded during the years of civil wars and political upheaval.

Legacy

Livy's Ab Urbe Condita remains a cornerstone of Roman historiography. His detailed account of Rome's early history, legends, and the moral lessons he drew from them have influenced not only historical scholarship but also literature and political thought throughout the centuries. Despite the loss of much of his work, Livy's surviving books continue to be studied for their insights into Roman life and their literary qualities.

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