When Did Livy Finish the History of Rome?
Titus Livius, commonly known as Livy, was a renowned Roman historian who lived from 59 BC to 17 AD. He is most famous for his monumental work, “Ab Urbe Condita Libri” or “The History of Rome,” which covered the history of Rome from its mythical foundation in 753 BC to the reign of Emperor Augustus.
Livy dedicated most of his life to writing this extensive historical account, which consisted of 142 books. However, it is challenging to determine with certainty when exactly he finished this monumental work.
The Creation and Completion of Ab Urbe Condita Libri
Livy began writing “The History of Rome” in 27 BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus. He envisioned his work as a tribute to Rome’s greatness and aimed to provide moral lessons through historical examples.
Working diligently on his project, Livy completed various sections over several years. However, due to the vast scope of his endeavor and the meticulous approach he took towards researching and writing, it is difficult to pinpoint when he officially finished.
Possible Timelines for Completion
1. The Popular Theory: 9 BC
The most accepted theory suggests that Livy completed his work around 9 BC. This timeline aligns with significant events in Roman history and corresponds with the death of Augustus in the same year.
Livy’s focus on praising Augustus’ rule and highlighting Rome’s golden age under his leadership supports this theory. It is plausible that he wanted to conclude his work at a time that symbolized the end of an era.
2. The Alternative Theory: Post-14 AD
Another theory suggests that Livy continued writing beyond 9 BC and possibly even after 14 AD, the year of Emperor Augustus’ death. Supporters of this theory argue that Livy’s account of Roman history ends abruptly and lacks a proper conclusion or an epilogue.
They propose that Livy might have intended to conclude his work with a final reflection on the state of Rome during his lifetime. However, due to his death in 17 AD, this conclusion was never written.
The Legacy of Livy’s Work
Regardless of when exactly Livy finished “The History of Rome,” his work has had a profound impact on our understanding of ancient Rome. His vivid storytelling and moralistic approach made history accessible to both scholars and the general public.
Livy’s work also served as a primary source for many later historians, including Tacitus and Plutarch, who relied heavily on his accounts. Despite some inaccuracies and occasional embellishments in his narrative, Livy’s influence on subsequent generations cannot be overstated.
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In conclusion, while it is challenging to determine the exact date when Livy completed “The History of Rome,” its enduring influence on our understanding of ancient Roman history cannot be understated. Whether he finished around 9 BC or continued writing until after Augustus’ death in 14 AD, Livy’s work remains an invaluable contribution to the field of historiography.