History of Rome

Livy's history of Rome, written during the transition from a republic to an empire, presents a vivid narrative of Rome's rise from 753 BC to 9 BC and illustrates the collective and individual virtues necessary to achieve and maintain greatness. This edition of the third decade, based on critical editions, offers a fresh translation and ample annotation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Rome, a city with a rich and storied history, has captivated the world for centuries. Its origins trace back to the 8th century BC, when it was founded on the banks of the Tiber River by a group of settlers. Over time, Rome grew into a powerful empire, ruling vast territories and influencing the course of human civilization.

One of the most renowned Roman historians is Titus Livius, also known as Livy. Born in Patavium (Padua) in 64 or 59 BC, Livy spent his life in Rome, where he died in AD 12 or 17. His history, composed during the reign of Augustus, provides a captivating narrative of Rome's rise from its humble beginnings to its status as a dominant empire.

Livy's history is divided into 142 books, traditionally grouped into pentads and decades. While we have complete books 1 to 10 and 21 to 45, the rest of the text is fragmented, with only short summaries (periochae) available for the remaining books. Unfortunately, books 11 to 20 are lost, leaving only fragments and summaries as our primary sources of information.

The third decade of Livy's history is particularly noteworthy as it covers the Second Punic (or Hannibalic) War, a pivotal period in Roman history. This decade features a remarkable gallery of leaders, including Roman generals such as Scipio Africanus and Hannibal himself, as well as Carthaginian generals such as Hannibal's brother Hasdrubal. Livy's account of this war is detailed and vivid, providing a deep understanding of the strategies, tactics, and heroism that characterized this conflict.

This edition of the third decade of Livy's history is a significant contribution to modern scholarship. It replaces the original Loeb editions by B. O. Foster (Books 21 to 22) and Frank Gardner Moore (Books 23 to 30) and is based on the critical editions by John Briscoe (Books 21 to 25) and P. G. Walsh (Books 26 to 30). The text has been freshly translated, ensuring that it remains accessible to a wide audience. Additionally, the edition includes ample annotation, providing insights into historical context, cultural significance, and contemporary interpretations of the text.

Livy's history is a valuable resource for anyone interested in ancient Rome, its politics, society, and military history. It offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Romans and the extraordinary events that shaped their world. By studying Livy's work, we can gain a deeper understanding of the origins and development of the Roman Empire and the enduring legacy that it has left behind.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 119 x 171 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674997394