Chapters
Titus Livius (59 BCE – 17 CE), one of the most important historians of ancient Rome, left behind a monumental work – “Ab Urbe Condita” (i.e. “From the Founding of the City”, also called “History of Rome”). His work, originally consisting of 142 books, was an attempt to write down the history of Rome from its mythical foundation by Romulus to his contemporary times, i.e. the end of the 1st century BCE. Although only 35 books of the work have survived to this day, its influence on the subsequent history of literature, historiography and the perception of antiquity is enormous.
History as a teacher of life
Livy wrote his work at a time when Rome was in a moral and political crisis resulting from civil wars and the transformation of a republic into an empire. His “History of Rome…” was intended not only to tell the story of the past but also to inspire contemporaries to rebuild traditional republican values, such as bravery, civic virtue and devotion to the state.
Livy did not write only dry facts and dates but tried to show patterns of behaviour, especially those that had moral and political significance. His heroes, such as Horatii, Mucius Scaevola, Scipio Africanus and Lucretia, became symbols of civic virtues and the Roman spirit.
The beginnings of Rome – between myth and history
The first books of the “History of Rome…” describe the legendary beginnings of the city, which, according to tradition, was founded in 753 BCE by Romulus, the first king of Rome. Livy presents these events in a way that combines mythological elements with more realistic narratives, thereby attempting to give them historical credibility. Livy himself often expresses scepticism towards some accounts, but he never abandons his ambition to create a coherent and continuous story about the fate of the city.
The figure of Romulus, the brotherly betrayal of Remus and the rape of the Sabine women are key episodes that became the foundation of Roman identity. For Livy, these stories were important not only because of their popularity but also because they showed the values on which, in his opinion, Rome’s power was built.
Heroes and great deeds
As the narrative progresses, Livy shows the development of the city-state, its struggles with its neighbours, and the gradual expansion of Rome’s influence over the entire Italian Peninsula. Among the key figures, there are legendary leaders and politicians whose deeds will be remembered forever. The heroism of figures such as Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus (5th century BCE), who left the farm to assume dictatorship and save Rome from the Aequi, and then returned to the plough, or the fight of Scipio Africanus against Hannibal during the Second Punic War are examples of the virtues that Livy wanted to convey future generations.
Between nostalgia and caution
One of the most important aspects of Livy’s work is his deep nostalgia. In the times of the Empire, when the old republican order collapsed, Livy wanted to recall how valuable were the ancient institutions and virtues that built Rome’s power. His work was intended to be a compendium of wisdom and warning – showing how the ups and downs of Rome were related to the moral condition of its citizens.
It should also be noted that Livy – according to many researchers – wrote under the strong influence of the reigning emperor Octavian Augustus (who ruled from 27 BCE to 14 CE).
Criticism of Livy’s work
“History of Rome…” (Latin: Ab Urbe Condita) was a monumental work that aroused admiration but also doubts. Here are the main points of criticism against Livy and his work:
Lack of critical approach to sources
Livy was not critical of the traditions and legends from which he drew information. It often relied on legends, myths, and oral traditions that were difficult to verify. For example, the early books of Ab Urbe Condita contain mythical stories about the founding of Rome by Romulus, the fight against Remus, and other events that are often elements of legend rather than historical fact.
Moreover, modern researchers believe that Livy did not analyze his sources thoroughly enough, which led to presenting an idealized version of the past.
Attachment to tradition and moralizing
Livy was strongly associated with traditional Roman values and often introduced moralistic elements into his narrative. His heroes, both individuals and the entire society, are presented as models of virtues such as patriotism, courage and discipline. He often showed a simple connection between the moral condition of citizens and Rome’s successes or failures.
Critics accused him of idealizing the past and creating an image in which earlier generations were more virtuous, which was intended to serve the purpose of moral renewal in his times.
Lack of precision in the description of military and political events
Livy, unlike some other ancient historians such as Polybius or Tacitus, did not specialize in the analysis of warfare and politics. He was not a military man, which made his descriptions of military campaigns vague and imprecise.
This lack of technical precision in the description of military events was one of the reasons for criticism from historians who felt that his narratives of wars such as the Second Punic War were less accurate and professional compared to the works of Polybius, who was more objective and knowledgeable in this field.
Partisanship against Rome
Livy was a strong supporter of Rome’s greatness, which influenced the way he presented events. He was accused of bias because he often glorified the Romans and omitted or distorted information that might cast them in a bad light. For example, in the description of the Second Punic War, Hannibal, although he was one of the most important and capable generals of antiquity, is presented in a less sophisticated way than his Roman opponents.
Lack of independence and idealization of heroes
Many characters in Livy’s work, such as Romulus, Scipio Africanus, and Cincinnatus, are presented as ideal heroes without major flaws. Such an image was often exaggerated and unrealistic, causing readers and later scholars to accuse Livy of lacking deeper insight into human nature.
The importance of Livy’s work
“History of Rome…” by Titus Livy had a huge impact on historiography. They were one of the main sources of knowledge about ancient Rome for subsequent generations of scholars and historians, both in the Renaissance and in later eras. Livy set the standard for historical writers, and his style, combining facts with a moralizing approach, became a model to follow.
Although many books have been lost over the centuries, those that have survived are an invaluable source of knowledge about Roman history, politics, culture and ethos. Livy is one of those authors who not only described the past but also tried to shape it, inspiring subsequent generations to reflect on the importance of civic virtues and love for the homeland.
