Myth and Memory: Livy's Stories of Rome

Stories of Rome, written by Livy and translated by Roger Nichols, presents key episodes from the early history of Rome in an accessible and engaging manner. Livy's work combines historical narrative with legendary accounts, offering insights into Roman virtues and values. The stories recount the founding of the city, the tales of Romulus and Remus, the abduction of the Sabine women, and the heroism of figures like Cincinnatus. Livy emphasizes the moral lessons that can be drawn from these events, aiming to inspire readers with examples of Roman courage and civic virtue. This collection provides a compelling introduction to the foundational myths and historical events that shaped the Roman Republic.

Livy's 'The History of Rome, Books 1-5' provides a detailed account of Rome's origins and early development. Translated by Valerie M. Warrior, this edition covers the legendary founding of the city, its monarchy, and the establishment of the Roman Republic. Livy combines historical facts with myths and legends, emphasizing the moral values and virtues that shaped Roman identity. The narrative explores themes of leadership, civic duty, and the struggles between different social classes. This translation offers readers insight into Livy's historical perspective and the formative events that influenced Roman culture and institutions.

Written by Niccolò Machiavelli in the early 16th century, 'Discourses on Livy' is a three-book commentary on the first ten books of Titus Livy's 'Ab Urbe Condita'. The work examines the founding, maintenance, and protection of the Roman Republic, drawing lessons for modern republics. Machiavelli critiques the failure of his contemporaries to learn from ancient political history and argues for the importance of imitating the political virtues of the ancients. The book discusses various themes, including the role of public and private counsel, the institution of dictatorship, and the impact of religion on statecraft. It is a significant work in political philosophy, emphasizing the practical application of historical examples to contemporary political issues.