Is Livy to much of a romantic to be considered credible?

Is Livy a reliable source?

This does not mean that Livy is now regarded as the most reliable of all ancient historians, but we can no longer approach his work as mere propaganda. Although he and his annalistic predecessors have often embellished the plain facts, the hard core of Livy’s information is essentially reliable.

What is the significance of Livy?

Because he was writing under the reign of Augustus, Livy’s history emphasizes the great triumphs of Rome. He wrote his history with embellished accounts of Roman heroism in order to promote the new type of government implemented by Augustus when he became emperor.

Is Livy a primary source?

Whether you will be referencing a book, section or line number depends on the author. Your main primary sources for this text are Livy, Tertullian, and perhaps also Suetonius and Ovid. Here are the abbreviations used when citing these authors: Livy = Liv.

What was unique about Livy?

Livy was unique among Roman historians in that he played no part in politics. This was a disadvantage in that his exclusion from the Senate and the magistracies meant that he had no personal experience of how the Roman government worked, and this ignorance shows itself from time to time in his work.

What sources did Livy use?

In Books 31-45, Polybius, Antias and Claudius Quadrigarius were Livy’s sources. All these books are lost. It is a testimony to the quality of Livy’s work that almost all his sources are now lost. Livy’s account is as good as his sources, and we are fortunate that he was able to evaluate the quality of them.

What kind of writer was Livy?

Titus Livius or Livy (59 BCE – 17 CE): Roman historian, author of the authorized version of the history of the Roman republic.

What did Livy believe?

Livy believed that the historical environment surrounding Rome shaped its people. To him history should not just inform the reader but elevate him as well – what some saw as moral education.

Who is considered to be the most important Roman writer?

1. Virgil: The Best-Known Roman Poet. Of all the ancient Roman poets, Publius Vergilius Maro – better known as Virgil – is surely the best-known and most celebrated. He famously wrote the legendary poem The Aeneid, which is now considered ancient Rome’s national epic.

How do you reference Livy?

For example, you’d cite Livy 3.1 as Livy, The Early History of Rome (transl. de Sélincourt), p. 183.



How do you cite Livy?

Citation Data

  1. MLA. Livy. The Early History of Rome. Books I-V of The History of Rome from Its Foundation. [Harmondsworth, Eng.] :Penguin, 1971.
  2. APA. Livy. ( 1971). The early history of Rome.
  3. Chicago. Livy. The Early History of Rome. Books I-V of The History of Rome from Its Foundation.


What does Livy say about the study of history?

The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see: and in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings: fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through

Who was Livy’s audience?

the literate nobility



Livy wrote primarily for the literate nobility as an audience. Emperors such as Augustus and Claudius adored his works.

Similar Posts:

    None Found