How Long Is Livy’s History of Rome?

By Michael Ferguson

When it comes to ancient history, Livy’s “History of Rome” is undoubtedly one of the most significant and comprehensive works. Spanning a vast period of time, from the foundation of Rome to the reign of Augustus, this monumental piece of literature provides a detailed account of Rome’s rise to power and its subsequent development as a republic.

The Length of Livy’s History

Livy’s “History of Rome” is an extensive work that consists of 142 books. These books were originally written in Latin and covered a wide range of topics, including the founding myths, the early history of Rome, the Punic Wars, and the rise and fall of Julius Caesar. In total, Livy’s work consisted of around 1.5 million words.

The Organization and Structure

Livy divided his history into decades or sets of ten books each. Unfortunately, not all books have survived to the present day.

The first decade, which covers the period from Rome’s foundation to its conquest by Gauls in 387 B.C., is almost entirely lost. The second decade survives in fragments but provides valuable insights into early Roman history.

From the third decade onwards, more books have survived. However, some sections are only available in summary form or through quotations by later authors. Despite these gaps, Livy’s “History” remains a crucial source for understanding ancient Roman civilization.

The Importance and Impact

Livy’s “History” had a significant impact on subsequent generations. It served as an essential source for many later historians and scholars interested in Roman history and culture. Its vivid storytelling style made it popular among readers throughout antiquity.

  • Bold text: Livy’s writing style was both informative and engaging.
  • Underlined text: The “History of Rome” provided a comprehensive account of Rome’s development.
  • List item: Livy’s work covered a wide range of topics, including the Punic Wars and the rise of Julius Caesar.
  • List item: The organization of Livy’s work into decades made it easier for readers to navigate through Roman history.

In Conclusion

Livy’s “History of Rome” is a monumental work that captures the essence of ancient Roman civilization. Although not all books have survived, the surviving portions provide valuable insights into Rome’s early history and its subsequent development as a republic. Livy’s vivid storytelling style and comprehensive approach make his work both informative and engaging for readers interested in ancient history.