Titus Livy Books

The book presents a collection of fifty-six accounts of prodigies that occurred from the twelfth year to the 396th year after the founding of the city. Written by the Roman historian Titus Livius, it serves as a crucial primary source for understanding Roman history, culture, and values. The 1853 edition is a facsimile reprint of the original, aimed at preserving the work's cultural significance, though it may include imperfections like library markings. This edition reflects a commitment to maintaining access to classical literature.

After the decisive defeat of Hannibal in the Second Punic War (218-201), Rome faced a series of challenges from the East - to emerge as master of the Mediterranean in 167 B.C. It is Livy who, by the sheer power of his historical imagination, creates from the bald and often inaccurate souces an enthralling narrative, full of drama and color, compelling personalities and magnificent oratory. With her triumphs over the heirs of Alexander the Great in the Macedonian Wars, world leadership passed forever from Greece to Rome; and Livy shows us the men, heroic but human, who took part in an epoch-making event.

It is Livy (59 BC-AD 17) who re-creates for us in vivid detail the terrible events of the Second Punic War, down to the Battle of Zama (202 BC). It is Livy who shows us the immense armies of Hannibal, elephants and all, crossing the Alps (still regarded as a near-miraculous feat by historians), the panic as Hannibal approached the gates of Rome, the decimation of the Roman army in thick fog at the Battle of Lake Trasimene. But, above all, it is the clash of personalities that fascinate him: the great debates in the Senate, the series of Roman generals who prove no match for Hannibal, the historic meeting between Scipio and Hannibal before the decisive battle. Livy never hesitated to introduce drama and moral lessons into his History of Rome; in the ten books dealing with the war with Hannibal, he had an immense theme worthy of his immense talents.

Focusing on the Second Punic War, this collection covers pivotal events from 218 to 202 BC, including Livy's accounts of significant battles such as Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae. It also chronicles the fall of Syracuse, the complexities of the first Macedonian War, and the revolt led by Indibilis and Mandonius, providing a detailed exploration of military strategies and political dynamics during this tumultuous period in history.

Focusing on the legendary origins of Rome, this work chronicles the city's early history, beginning with Aeneas's arrival in Italy and the establishment of Rome by Romulus. The initial ten books delve into pivotal events and figures, providing a rich narrative that spans from the mythical beginnings to 292 BC, offering insights into the cultural and historical foundations of ancient Rome.

This compilation features essential excerpts from renowned historians of the ancient Roman Empire, serving as a valuable resource for those studying Roman history. It complements the Old Western Culture curriculum's unit on Roman historians, providing all the necessary readings in a single volume for easy access and study.

This antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of an original work, preserving its historical significance despite potential imperfections like marks and notations. The commitment to making this culturally important literature accessible highlights an effort to protect and promote global literary heritage through affordable, high-quality editions that remain true to the source material.

Focusing on the Macedonian and eastern wars from 201 to 167 BC, the narrative highlights significant events such as the Battle of Cynoscephalae and the repeal of Lex Oppia. Livy chronicles key victories, including Cato's triumph in Hispania and the conflict against Nabis, providing a detailed account of military strategies and political shifts during this tumultuous period in Roman history.