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Commentary on Livy VI: A Comprehensive Analysis of Rome's Early Republic

Rodney Parker

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Published in A Commentary On Livy VI X: Volume IV: X

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A Commentary on Livy, Books VI-X: Volume IV: Book X

by S. P. Oakley

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11657 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	670 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Livy's Commentary on the History of Rome from its Foundation, more commonly known as simply Livy, is one of the most important works of Roman historiography. Written in the late 1st century BCE, it narrates the history of Rome from its legendary founding in 753 BCE to the death of Nero Claudius Drusus in 9 BCE. Livy's work is a monumental undertaking, comprising 142 books, of which only 35 have survived to the present day.

Book VI of Livy's Commentary covers the period from the defeat of the Etruscans in 396 BCE to the beginning of the Second Samnite War in 326 BCE. This period was a time of great change for Rome, as the city expanded its territory and influence and began to come into conflict with other powerful states in Italy. Livy's account of these events is invaluable for our understanding of Rome's early history.

Historical Context

The period covered by Livy's Book VI was a time of great turmoil and change in Italy. The Etruscan city of Veii, which had been a major threat to Rome for centuries, was finally defeated in 396 BCE. This victory gave Rome control of southern Etruria and opened the way for further expansion into central Italy.

However, Rome's expansion also brought it into conflict with other powerful states in Italy, including the Samnites and the Gauls. The Samnites were a warlike people who lived in the mountainous region of central Italy. They had been a major power in Italy for centuries, and they fiercely resisted Rome's attempts to expand into their territory.

The Gauls were a Celtic people who had migrated from central Europe into Italy in the 4th century BCE. They were a formidable enemy, and they defeated a Roman army at the Battle of the Allia in 390 BCE. This defeat was a major setback for Rome, but the city eventually recovered and defeated the Gauls in a series of wars.

Political Context

The period covered by Livy's Book VI was also a time of great political change in Rome. The patricians, who had traditionally held all political power, were increasingly challenged by the plebians, who were the common people of Rome. The plebians demanded a greater share of political power, and they eventually achieved their goals through a series of reforms, including the Licinio-Sextian Laws of 367 BCE.

The Licinio-Sextian Laws were a watershed moment in Roman history. They opened up the consulship, the highest office in the Roman state, to plebians. They also established the office of the tribune of the plebs, which gave the plebians a voice in government. These reforms helped to create a more democratic and inclusive political system in Rome.

Literary Context

Livy's Commentary on the History of Rome from its Foundation is a work of great literary merit. Livy was a master of the Latin language, and he wrote in a clear and concise style. He was also a gifted storyteller, and his work is full of vivid descriptions and memorable characters.

Livy's work was influenced by a variety of literary traditions, including Greek historiography, Roman annalistic tradition

A Commentary on Livy, Books VI-X: Volume IV: Book X

by S. P. Oakley

5 out of 5