Li Wei -- History Since the Founding of the City

Author: (Ancient Rome) Livy
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The History of Rome from its Foundation written by Livy is the only surviving work in detail about the early history of Rome composed by a Roman, hence holding special historical value. This book can be divided into two parts. The first part explains the motivation behind Livy's overall description of Rome's history since its foundation. What troubled Livy was that new historians were always taking on this task, believing they could surpass their predecessors both in content and form; moreover, the work was enormous, and anyone undertaking it could not expect readers to be interested in the early history of Rome. Two factors helped Livy overcome his doubt that his efforts were not worthwhile. First, his work would contribute to the remembrance of the achievements of this great nation of the world; second, recording early history could avoid contemporary issues. Clearly, these two factors are contradictory and reveal a peculiar duality in Livy's understanding of Rome. The second part is closely related to the first part. Livy first explains the difficulties of recording the legendary early history. His attitude is neither to verify nor to deny the legends. Therefore, the overall narration of Rome's history since its foundation is the appropriate form for Livy's historical writing motivation and purpose.