Vol 85 of the Penguin's Little Black Classics series. The Little Black Classics Box Set was originally 80 books. Penguin released last year another 46Vol 85 of the Penguin's Little Black Classics series. The Little Black Classics Box Set was originally 80 books. Penguin released last year another 46, expanding the series to 126. I've been reading Livy's The History of Rome: The Complete Work this year, and this book is just a piece of Livy's War with Hannibal (which includes books 21-30). This small book only includes Book 21 of Livy's History of Rome.
"A truly glorious victory, they added, was won by defeating men in battle, not by torturing the distressed." - Livy, History of Rome, XLII, viii
[image]"A truly glorious victory, they added, was won by defeating men in battle, not by torturing the distressed." - Livy, History of Rome, XLII, viii
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Books 40-42 of Livy's History of Rome detail the period right leading upto and during the The Third Macedonian War.
Book 40 sees Philip, king of Macedonia, struggle with the paranoia of a king with two ambitious sons, hemmed in by Rome, and bucking against the contraints of Roman power. Book 4o begins with King Philip ordering the kids of the nobles he had in prison be put to death (sounds a bit New Testament to me).
The sibling rivalry between Perseus and Demetrius culminates in Perseus accusing Demetrius on a false charge of parricide (among others) and an attempt to seize the throne. Demetrius, was done in by both his paranoid father, his unkind brother, and good relationship to the Roman people.
Philip, old and overcome by grief (I guess that happens to people when the kill theirj "good" kid), because he killed Demetrius plans for the punishment of Perseus and desires for his friend Antigonus to succeed to the Macedonian throne, but he dies too soon and Perseus becomes the new king of Macedonia.
Book 41 sees the fire in temple of Vesta going out. Livy LOVES auspices, omens, portents, and signs. Rome fights and subdues a bunch of people (the Celtiberians, Ligurians, Histrians, Sardinians, [and in Spain] the Vaccaei and Lusitanians).
In Macedonian King Perseus, son of Philip, sends an embassy to the Carthaginians and making diplomatic overtures to the other states of Greece.
Book 42 sees Q. Fulvius Flaccus stripping the temple of Juno Lacinia of its marble tiles, in order to roof a temple which he was dedicating. The senate orders the tiles to be taken back (but nobody knows how to put them back on, so they just leave them in the temple). Eumenes, king of Asia, complains about Perseus. Rome declares war against Perseus and Macedonia. P. Licinius Crassus, the new consul, is placed in command. He goes to Macedonia and fights with Perseus in Thessaly. Envoys from Rome are to request the allied states and kings remain loyal, the Rhodians waver. Book 42 details the campaigns against the Corsicans and Ligurians (think Genoa).
One thing I love (in this book and others) is how fixated Livy is with auspices, portents, three-legged cows, and the drowning of hermaphrodite babies. I think part of it goes back to understanding Livy was writing from a period in Roman History where Rome was starting to become fairly superficial with its practice of religous rites and was trying to encourage his modern readers to take some of the sacred (temples, gods, rites) more serious....more
"There is no state which will not have not only wicked citizens at cergain times but an inexperienced commonalty always." - Livy, History of Rome, XLV"There is no state which will not have not only wicked citizens at cergain times but an inexperienced commonalty always." - Livy, History of Rome, XLV, xxiii
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Books 43-45 of Livy's History of Rome detail the end of the The Third Macedonian War.
Book 43 sees several praetors condemned for administering their provinces with greed and cruelty. P. Licinius Crassus the proconsul plunders numerous cities in Greece. The commanders of Roman fleets pluder many allied cities. Book 43 sees King Perseus winning several victories in Thrace (Dardanians and of Illyricum). Spain revolts, but the revolt goes nowhere after Olonicus is killed. Marcus Aemilius Lepidus was chosen chief of the Senate by the censors. This book has a few missing parts.
Book 44 sees Q. Macius Philippus and his armies entering Macedonia through difficult passes, seizing a number of cities. The Rhodians send an envoy to Rome threatening to help Perseus unless the Romans establish peace Macedonia. This doesn't go well in Rome. L. Aemilius Paulus, consul for the second time, is put in charge of the campaign in Macedonia. Paulus prays before an assembly that any disaster threatening the Roman People be turned against his own household. After setting out for Macedonia, he conquers Perseus and brings all Macedonia under control. This book has a few missing parts.
Book 45 sees Perseus captured by A. Paulus in Samothrace. Antiochus, king of Syria beseiges Egypt (Ptolemy and Cleopatra*). Envoys sent to Rome's Senate. Senate requires Antiochus to pull out of Egypt. Rhodes' envoys supplicate themselves to Rome and are sent aways as neither allies or enemies. A. Paulus celebrates his triumph (his own soliders complain about not having enough booty). S. Sulpicius Galba speaks against the soldiers. Paulus' two sons die. This book has a few missing parts.
The last of the Livy. The remaining books: 46-142 have been lost. It really is sad to think that we only have about ~35 books of Livy. They are really amazing. His prose is clear. His speeches are amazing. And while he isn't a perfect historian (his dates sometimes conflict) he did organize Roman history in an expansive and rational way. I would have REALLY enjoyed reading about his take on the Fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Empire. His last book (142) supposedly ends his history with the death of Druses.
I don't get too carried away with regrets, but it really does feel like discovering that Shakespeare wrote 140 plays and we only have 36 extant. Imagine another 104 Shakespeare plays!!!
* These are not the Egyptian Kings you are thinking of. (Like Scipio, Cato, etc., Cleopatra and Ptolemy are family names that appear again and again)....more
No! Let there be some survivors, to carry the news both of the enemy's disaster and of our valour." Livy, Book XXVII. xlix 9
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Book 26 (The Fate oNo! Let there be some survivors, to carry the news both of the enemy's disaster and of our valour." Livy, Book XXVII. xlix 9
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Book 26 (The Fate of Capua) & Book 27 (Scipio in Spain)
My seventh (of fourteen) Livy's History of Rome covers books 26 through 27 (211-207 BC). Volume VII details Hannibal coming up to the bank of the Anio in Rome, the fall of Capua (taken by Quintus Fulvius and Appius Claudius), Publius Scipio's storming of New Carthage at age 24, , the reckless death of Marcellus in an ambush. In Spain Scipio fights with Hasdrubal and Hamilcar. Hasdrubal leaves Spain as things in Spain. After crossing the Alps, 56,000 of Hasdrubal's troops are killed at the Battle of the Metaurus. The Battle of Metaurus is for the Carthaginian as big a defeat as the earlier Battle at Cannae was for the Romans.
It is fascinating to read Livy. Obviously, there is a bit of a bias against Hannibal and the Carthaginians built into Livy. However, Livy does a good job of being mostly fair when discussing Hannibal and his generals and the Roman generals. Many of Hannibal's failures seem to stem from Hannibal's occasionally and costly political mistakes, and the fortunes of war. He was never a great 'hearts and minds" general like Publius Scipio, aka Scipio Africanus, aka Scipio the Great.
One of the great things (and I understand we are talking about war and not a sport) about the Second Punic War is how damn dramatic it is. There are great players: Hannibal, Hasdrubal & Mago; Scipio Africanus, Marcellus, & Fabius. It has so many ebbs, flows, dramas, and stunning turn-arounds there is a reason why people still read, write, and talk about it. Livy is best here when he is describing battles and delivering speeches from generals before a battle....more
"No dispositions are so prone to envy as those of men whose abilities do not correspond to their birth and fortune, because they hate excellence and g"No dispositions are so prone to envy as those of men whose abilities do not correspond to their birth and fortune, because they hate excellence and good qualities in another." - Livy, History of Rome, XXXV, xliii
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Books 35-37 of Livy's History of Rome detail the war with Antiochus. Antiochus, provoked by the Tyrant Nabis, joins with the Aetolians while the Achaeans, King Philip, Rhodes and Pergamum remain faithful to Rome.
Book 35 sees Scipio Africanus sent as an embassy to Antiochus. At Ephesus he has a fantastic conversation with his former foe. When Scipio asked Hannibal who he considered the greatest generals, he first listed Alexander the Great; second, Pyrrhus; and third, himself. When Scipio, smiling, asked: "What would you say if you had defeated me?" Hannibal answered "I would have ranked myself ahead of Alexander, ahead of Pyrrhus and ahead of all other generals."
This book details the end of Nabis (at the hand of Philopeomen and the Aetolians) and the beginning of the Roman war against Antiochus.
Book 36 sees Acilius Glabrio, with the help of King Philip, defeat Antiochus at Thermopylae and they drive him from Greece. Publius Cornelius Scipio Nasica receives a triumph after defeating the Gallic Boii.
Book 37 sees Lucius Conrelius Scipio with his brother Scipio Africanus as his lieutenant starts the war against Antiochus, and was the first of all Roman general to cross into Asia. Regillus fights a successful battle against Antiochus' fleet off Myonnesus with the help of Rhodes. Antiochus is captured by Lucius Cornelius Scipio and peace is granted as long as he withdraws to beyond the Taurus mountains. Lucius is given the surname "Asiaticus." Eumenes and Rhodes are givens spoils by Rome for their help against Antiochus.
Things I love about these books: Asia minor. I lived for a couple years in Turkey and love hearing about places like Zmyrna, Pergamum, Ephesus, Sardes and Halicarnassus because these are all places I am intimately familiar with (having crawled all over the ruins of Turkey as a kid). Things that still drive me nuts about this period: keeping all the Scipios, Hamilcars, Alexanders, and Philips separated in my head. I constantly have to remind myself that King Philip here is NOT Alexander's dad. Different era. No. This Cleopatra isn't the one who hooked up with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Different era. Also, the maps help, but I'm still not as familiar with Greek place names as I am with Roman place names, and I'm honestly not great at those either....more
"What is most glorious is also the safest: to place our hopes in valour." - Livy, History of Rome, XXXIV, xiv
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Books 31-34 of Livy's History of Ro"What is most glorious is also the safest: to place our hopes in valour." - Livy, History of Rome, XXXIV, xiv
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Books 31-34 of Livy's History of Rome detail the Second Macedonian war (200 to 196 BC) and the "War against Nabis" (tyrant of Sparta). It also details several battles and triumphs in Spain, Gaul, etc., and Hannibal plotting with Antiochus.
Book 31 sees the renewal of Romes war against King Philip of Macedonia. Athens asks Rome to help as they are being attacked by King Philip. Consul Publius Sulpicius leads his army to Macedonia and fights successfully against Philip in several cavalry battles. The people of Abydus kill themselves rather than surrender. Lucius Furius, the praetor, defeats in battle the Insubrian Gauls. Hamilcar the Carthaginian (not Hannibal's father) and 35k men are killed during the campaign.
Book 32 sees many prodigies. Titus Quincitius Flaminiunus fights successfully against Philip in the passes of Epirus (pushing Philip back to his kingdom). His brother Lucius Quinctius Flamininus Euboea helps fight Macedonia along the sea coast. A conspiracy of slaves is crushed. Cornelius Cethegus routs the Insubrian Gauls in battle. A treaty is signed with Sparta and their tyrant Nabis.
Book 33 sees Titus Quinctius Flamininus end the Second Macedonian war by defeating Philip in the Battle at Cynoscenphalae. His brother, Lucius, receives the surrender of the Acarnanes after capturing Leucas. Peace is signed with Philip. Hannibal starts to plot with Antiochus king of Syria. Marcellus defeats the Boi and the Insubrian Gauls and receives a triumph.
Book 34 sees the Oppian law (limits the expenditures of the women) is repealed. Cato goes to Spain and pacifies near Spain. Titus Quinctius Flamininus ends a successful war against Nabis, the tyrant of Sparta. Several colonies are founded. Hannibal flees to Antiochus after trying to plot through Aristo, a Tyrian, to convince Carthage to join with Antiochus in a war against Rome. ...more
"I'm afraid there will be too little of glory rather than too much of war." - Livy, History of Rome, XXXVIII, xvii
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Books 38-39 of Livy's History "I'm afraid there will be too little of glory rather than too much of war." - Livy, History of Rome, XXXVIII, xvii
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Books 38-39 of Livy's History of Rome detail the period after the war with Antiochus. The Roman tribunes turn on the Scipio brothers and Rome begins to decend a bit into luxurious living and softness.
Book 38 sees Scipio Africanus and his brother Lucius Scipio Asiaticus accused, as some say by Q. Petillius the tribune (and/or Naevius), of cheated the treasury of money taken from the defeat of Antiochus. Scipio Africanus replied “On this day, citizens, I conquered Carthage,” and ascended the Capitoline. To avoid further attacks from the tribunes, Scipio withdrew to voluntary exile and died. Lucius Scipio Asiaticus was also accused and convicted on the same charge of embezzlement. When he was being led to prison, Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus, tribune of the people, formerly an enemy of the Scipio bros, intervenes.
When the quaestors go to take possession of the property of Scipio, there is no money, and not even enough money to pay the fine. Scipio Asiaticus even refuses the money collected by his relatives and friends.
Book 39 sees the Bacchanalia, a Greek rite celebrated by night involving sex, murder, etc., developed into a conspiracy of large numbers of Romans. An investigation is started and the Bacchanalia is suppressed with many punishment and many put to death. Censors Lucius Valerius Flaccus and Marcus Porcius Cato (the latter the greatest of men in the arts of both war and peace) expelled from the senate Lucius Quinctius Flamininus on the grounds he killed, while Consul of Gaul, a certain Gaul at the request of his degenerate lover. Scipio, Hannibal, and also Philopoemen all die in the same year.
Philip of Macedon is upset his kingdom was diminished by the Romans and that he was compelled to withdraw his garrisons from Thrace, etc.
This is one of my least favorite books so far. It really is an early sign of Roman degeneracy. Super early. They are quick to turn against their heros for poltical gain (Scipio Africanus) and the wealth from their wars is starting to affect those living in Rome. It isn't the end of the Republic by far, but a lot of what happens in this book seems to anticipate later issues during the last days of the Roman Republic....more
"Many things which, owing to distance, are not now evident the war will reveal. It is part of a man and a general not to prove wanting when fortune pr"Many things which, owing to distance, are not now evident the war will reveal. It is part of a man and a general not to prove wanting when fortune presents herself, and to fit what is offered by chance into his plans." - Livy, Book XXVIII, xliv
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Books 28-30 of Livy's History of Rome details the 2nd Punic War, specifically in Spain and Africa.
Book 28 sees Scipio's lieutenant, Silanus, successful against the Carthaginians in Spain in the 14th year of the war. Scipio ventures into Africa to form a treaty with Syphax, King of the Massylians. During the siege of Gisia, the citizens end up killing their own wives and children (and gold) and then threw themselves on the pyre. Scipio gets sick, some of his army mutinies, and he quells it. Scipio also makes friends with Masinissa, King of the Numidians. Scipio returns to Rome and is elected Consul. He is given Africa (despite Quintus Fabius Maximus' opposition). Mago, son of Hamilcar, crosses to Italy.
Book 29 sees Gaius Laelius sent on a raiding party by Scipio into Africa and he returns with an immense booty. Scipio crosses from Syracuse into the Bruttian territory (tip of the Roman toe) and puts Hannibal to flight. The Locrians send envoys to Rome to complain about Pleminius carrying away money from the temple of Prosperpina (as well as outraging their wives and children). Scipio is also accused in the Senate. Scipio is cleared, and with the permission of the Senate, crosses into Africa. Syphax, meanwhile, has married the daughter of Hasdrubal, making the previous treaty with Scipio a bit precarious. Masinissa, however, joins Scipio in Africa, and early in the campaign slays Hanno, son of Mamilcar. Scipio faces off with Hasdrubal and Syphax, and is forced to raise the siege of Utica.
Book 30, Scipio defeats the Carthaginians (Syphax and Hasdrubal) in a number of battles with the help of Masinissa. He assaults two Carthaginian camps and wipes them out with fire. He captures Syphax, Masinissa marries Syphax's wife to protect her from Rome. Scipio has to deal with the difficulties that arise from one of his allies marrying one of his enemies wives. Hannibal is asked to return to Carthage to defend his home. He tries to negotiate from a place of strength, but after negotiations falter, Hannibal is defeated in battle by Scipio. Scipio eventually negotiates a peace with the Carthaginians, despite their Senate's slipperiness. Mago dies. Masinissa regains his kingdom (and loses his new wife). Scipio returns triumphantly to Rome and is given the name Africanus.
***
Having grown up with an older brother who idolized Hannibal, it is hard to see his star fade as it is replaced by Scipio. But after harassing Rome on their own land for 17+ years, there is a solid reason Hannibal belongs in the history books. He was brilliant, bold, and seemed to always see the coin of battle flip in his favor...until the coin stopped spinning his way. It seemed Hannibal was defeated as much by his own people and a couple key mistakes (stemming from pride) as he was by just fate. Hannibal eventually lost in Africa, but I'm sure one could make an argument that he was almost never out generaled. That said, he WAS eventually defeated by Rome's great general Scipio. Young, bold, and brash, Scipio had both the skill and the luck needed to eventually defeat Hannibal and humble Carthage....more
"But in war nothing is so slight as not at times to bring about a great result." - Livy, Book XXV. xviii 3
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Book 23 (Campanians revolt) & Book 24"But in war nothing is so slight as not at times to bring about a great result." - Livy, Book XXV. xviii 3
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Book 23 (Campanians revolt) & Book 24 (War against the Syracusans) & Book 25 (The Fall of Syracuse)
My sixth (of fourteen) Livy's History of Rome covers books 23 through 25 (216-212 BC). Volume VI details the post-Cannae battles, spread between Greece, Spain, Italy, and Sicily. Hannibal always seems one day, one step, one coin-flip away from destroying Rome, but somehow MOST of the alliances stay. The elites in the cities allied to Rome seem more inclined to Rome, while much of the populace seems to favor Hannibal.
My favorite part of this book is the details concerning the "unrivaled art" of Archimedes' many defense of the walls and fortifications of Syracuse - and eventually -- the needless death of Archimedes. The fall of Syracuse is one of those war-time events that has long-term, significant impact on the world. Much of Roman fascination with Greek culture came as a direct result of the sack of Syracuse. Anyway, again I love a good war story and the Second Punic War has to be one of the top 10 most influential and interesting wars. I also love how Livy throws all sorts of marvels, signs and portents throughout all three of these books: an ox spoke, a spear moved, a baby in a womb shouted "Hail Triumph", a woman became a man, palm took fire, swarm of bees in the forum, lightening, ravens in temples, chalk rain, bloody-looking rivers, terrible storms, a stone seems to fly, the sun is red, almost bloody, snakes appearing and eating the livers of sacrifices - twice.
Here are some of his best lines from Vol VI:
"In fact you must either have a king -- save the mark! -- or a senate, the only deliberative body in a free state" (Book XXIIII, iii 5)
"...the most familiar evil is the most endurable" (Book XXI, iii 14).
"For not to be defeated by Hannibal was a more difficult thing that it was later to defeat him." (Book XXIII, xvi 16).
"Never a nag, please, into a ditch" (Book XXIII, xlvii 6).
"...many things which are naturally difficult are solved by ingenuity." (Book XXV, xi 16).
"...not even hunger, which, as he said, inflames even dumb brutes, could spur their diligence;" (Book XXV, xiii 7)....more
"Haste is improvident and blind." - Livy, Book XXII. xxxix 22
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Book 21 (Second Punic War begins) & Book 22 (Hannibal at Cannae)
My fifth (of fourt"Haste is improvident and blind." - Livy, Book XXII. xxxix 22
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Book 21 (Second Punic War begins) & Book 22 (Hannibal at Cannae)
My fifth (of fourteen) Livy's History of Rome covers books 21 and 22 (221-216 BC). Volume Four ends with Book 10, and lost to us now are books 11-20. We do have the summaries, but somewhere fire, apathy, lazy scribes, or bookworms have disappeared the First Punic war period, etc. Sad.
My older brother (RIP) loved Hannibal. Loved him enough he wanted to name his son Hannibal (thank gods for prudent wives). Anyway, Books 21-30 involved Rome's 2nd Punic War(s) with Hannibal. The first two, found in Loeb's History of Rome, Vol V, are amazing. Yes, elephants. Yes, Alps. Yes, Battle of Cannae.
Here are some of his best lines:
"Never was the same nature more adaptable to things the most diverse -- obedience and command" (Book XXI, iv 3)
"We bring you here both war and peace; choose which you will!" (Book XXI, xviii 13).
"And I fear nothing more than this, that when you have fought, it may seem to have been the Alps that conquered Hannibal" (Book XXI, xl 10).
"Their position, he said, was one from which vows and supplications to the gods could not extricate them, but only their only their own brave exertions:" (Book XXII, iv 2).
"For himself, he would not anticipate, before they ripened, those plans with which circumstances provided men but which men could not well impose on circumstances." (Book XXII, xxxviii 11)....more
"Oratory was invented for doubtful matters" - Livy, Book VIII, lv 3
Book 8 (Revolt of the Latins) & Book 9 (Roman Expansion) & Book 10 (Battle of Aquilo"Oratory was invented for doubtful matters" - Livy, Book VIII, lv 3
Book 8 (Revolt of the Latins) & Book 9 (Roman Expansion) & Book 10 (Battle of Aquilonia)
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My fourth (of fourteen) Livy's History of Rome covers books 8 through 10 (341-292BC). It also contains the summaries for the some of Livy's missing books (11 - 20).
This volume deals with various revolts among those groups Rome has treaties with (Latins, Companians, Privernates, Samnites, Apulians, Etruscans, Umbrians, Marsi, the Paeligni, Aequi, etc.). This is a period of quick Roman growth. They are starting to feel their imperial oats.
My favorite part of this volume deals with the leadership and generalship of men such as Titus Manlius, Quintus Fabius, Appius Claudius. This period parallels the period of Alexander the Great in the East.
Here are some of his best lines:
"...an aspect more august than a man's, as though sent from heaven to expiate all anger of the gods, and to turn aside destruction from his people and bring it on their adversaries. Thus every terror and dread attended him..." (Book VIII, ix.9)
"You shall find few in the saddle, few sword in hand; while they are loading themselves and their horses with spoils, cut them down unarmed and make it a bloody booty for them." (Book VIII, xxxviii.15)
"...and their generals had taught them that a soldier should be rough to look on, not adorned with gold and silver but putting his trust in iron and in courage : indeed those other things were more truly spoil than arms, shinning bright before a battle, but losing their beauty in the midst of blood and wounds; manhood they said, was the adornment of a solder; all those other things went with the victory, and a rich enemy was the prize of the victor, however poor." (Book IX, xl.4-6)
"In truth the matter is simply, Quirites, that we must always be first denied, and yet have our way in the end. A struggle is all that the patricians ask: they care not what may be the outcome of the struggle." (Book X, viii.11-12)...more
Book 5 (Gauls at Rome) & Book 6 (Roman Campaigns) & Book 7 (Roman Expansion)
My third (of fourteen) Livy's"Vae victis!" - Livy, Book V. xlviii. 9
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Book 5 (Gauls at Rome) & Book 6 (Roman Campaigns) & Book 7 (Roman Expansion)
My third (of fourteen) Livy's History of Rome covers books 5, 6, and 7 (403-342 BC). One of my favorite characters in the book is Marcus Furius Camillus, one of Rome's great, early generals. He was given at his death the title of Second Founder of Rome after he helped to defend a sacked Rome against the Senoni chieftain Brennus and his gallic warriors.
Some men are generals. Some are statesmen. Others just seem to have it all. Camellus is one of those men who seem destined to lead, protect, and inspire. These three books are filled with battles, wars, and manly, martial speeches. I think one of the best parts of these early Roman histories of Livy are his speeches. Obviously, he is embellishing things and probably making a great deal up, but still -- this is damn good stuff.
Here are some of his best lines:
'Do we think the bodies of our soldiers so effeminate, their hearts so faint, that they cannot endure to be one winter in camp, away from home; that like sailors they must wage war with an eye on the weather, observing the seasons, incapable of withstanding heat or cold?" (Book V, vi 4)
"The gods themselves never laid hands upon the guilty; it was enough if they armed with an opportunity for vengeance those who had been wronged." (Book V, xi 16).
"...since it commonly turned out that in proportion as a man was prone to seek a leading share of toil and danger, he was slow in plundering." (Book V, xx 6).
"Soldiers, what means this gloom and this unwonted reluctance? Are you strangers to the enemy, or to me, or to yourselves? The enemy -- what else are they but inexhaustible material for you to fashion into glorious deeds of valor? " (Book VI, vii 3).
"...a young soldier rebuked them, so the story runs, for questioning whether any blessing were more Roman than arms and valor." (Book VII, vi 3)....more
"Oratory was invented for doubtful matters" - Livy, Book III, lv 3
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Book 3 (The Patricians at Bay) & Book 4 (War and Politics)
My second (of fourt"Oratory was invented for doubtful matters" - Livy, Book III, lv 3
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Book 3 (The Patricians at Bay) & Book 4 (War and Politics)
My second (of fourteen) Livy's History of Rome covers books 3 and 4 (467-404BC). It largely deals with early growing pains in Rome as its second census shows its population swollen beyond 100,000. The tensions between the plebs (represented politically by the tribunes) and the patricians (represented politically by the senate). My favorite parts of Book 3 dealt with Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, the machinations of the decemvirs, and Appius Claudius claiming Verginius' daughter Verginia as a slave.
My favorite part of Book 4 was the debate over a law about marriage between patricians and plebeians and the right for plebeians to be consuls. Canuleius' speech from this section was brilliant, and could easily have been used 2000+ years later when debating a woman's right to vote, etc.. Here are some of his best lines:
'When we raise the question of making a plebeian consul, is it the same as if we were to say that a slave or a freedman should attain that office? Have you any conception of the contempt in which you are held? They would take from you, were it possible, a part of the daylight. That you breathe, that you speak, that you have the shape of men, fills them with resentment." (Book IV, iii 7-8)
"'But,' you say, 'from the time the kings were expelled no plebeian has ever been consul.' Well, what then? Must no new institution be adopted? Ought that which has not yet been done -- and in a new nation many things have not yet been done -- never to be put in practice, even if it be expedient?" (Book IV, iv 1).
"Finally, I would ask, is it you, or the Roman People, who have supreme authority? Did the banishment of the kings bring you dominion, or to all men equal liberty?" (Book IV, v 1)....more
"Look, that you may see how cheap they hold their bodies whose eyes are fixed upon renown!" - Livy, Book II, xii 13
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Book 1 (Rome Under the Kings"Look, that you may see how cheap they hold their bodies whose eyes are fixed upon renown!" - Livy, Book II, xii 13
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Book 1 (Rome Under the Kings) & Book 2 (The Beginnings of the Republic)
This might be the first book to bankrupt me. Or rather books. I own several versions of Livy (Folio, The first Penguin (Books 1-10), and the first four volumes of the Loeb's History of Rome by Livy). I've decided to track and read through the Loeb, but that is going to require me to buy another 10 volumes. The good to that is, well, ten more little red books. The bad? Well, these little books retail for $26 (although you can usually find either really good used copies or new copies for $12-$18). So I'm looking at almost $200 to finish purchasing these books and I've already spent about $60. So, why read the Loeb version?
Quod est in Latinam verso | Because Latin is on the left Et lingua mea sedenti in recto | And English sits on the right *
Now those who know me, KNOW I don't read or speak Latin. So, why is having Livy in Latin and English that important? Because some day I DO want to read Latin. Because it pleases me. Because if I read on the recto side a phrase that strikes my fancy, like:
"Their name was irksome and a menace to liberty." - Livy, Book II. ii. 4
I can go almost straight across and discover what that was in Latin:
"Non placere nomen, periculosum libertati esse."
It delights me. I know that probably sounds a bit affected and effete, but hell it entertains me. I don't complain that American consumers spend more than $25.3 billion a year on video games. So, let me have my 14 little red books. I'm not sure how fast I'll get through all of them. I think for my family's financial stability I'll drip and drab these out through-out the year.
I'm reading primarily the Penguin Livy (Four Vol) and the Loeb Classics Livy (14 Volumes), but I'm primarily reviewing the Loeb versions. So for the EI'm reading primarily the Penguin Livy (Four Vol) and the Loeb Classics Livy (14 Volumes), but I'm primarily reviewing the Loeb versions. So for the Early History of Rome please see my reviews of:
Look, that you may see how cheap they hold their bodies whose eyes are fixed upon renown!" - Livy, Book II, xii 13
"Oratory was invented for doubtful matters" - Livy, Book III, lv 3
"Vae victis!" - Livy, Book V. xlviii. 9
Book 1 (Rome Under the Kings) & Book 2 (The Beginnings of the Republic)
This might be the first book to bankrupt me. Or rather books. I own several versions of Livy (Folio, The first Penguin (Books 1-5), second (Books 6-10), and third (Hannibal; Books 21-30), plus the first six volumes of the Loeb's History of Rome by Livy). I've decided to track and read through the Loeb, while listening to Audible, but that is going to require me to buy another 8 volumes. The good from that is, well, eight more little red books. The bad? Well, these little books retail for $26 (although you can usually find either really good used copies or new copies for $12-$18). So I'm looking at almost $200 to finish purchasing these books and I've already spent about $60. So, why read the Loeb version?
Quod est in Latinam verso | Because Latin is on the left Et lingua mea sedenti in recto | And English sits on the right *
Now those who know me, KNOW I don't read or speak Latin. So, why is having Livy in Latin and English that important? Because some day I DO want to read Latin. Because it pleases me. Because if I read on the recto side a phrase that strikes my fancy, like:
"Their name was irksome and a menace to liberty." - Livy, Book II. ii. 4
I can go almost straight across and discover what that was in Latin:
"Non placere nomen, periculosum libertati esse."
It delights me. I know that probably sounds a bit affected and effete, but hell it entertains me. I don't complain that American consumers spend more than $25.3 billion a year on video games. So, let me have my 14 little red books. I'm not sure how fast I'll get through all of them. I think for my family's financial stability I'll drip and drab these out through-out the year.
* I kill me. ______________________________
Book 3 (The Patricians at Bay) & Book 4 (War and Politics)
My second (of fourteen) Livy's History of Rome covers books 3 and 4 (467-404BC). It largely deals with early growing pains in Rome as its second census shows its population swollen beyond 100,000. The tensions between the plebs (represented politically by the tribunes) and the patricians (represented politically by the senate). My favorite parts of Book 3 dealt with Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, the machinations of the decemvirs, and Appius Claudius claiming Verginius' daughter Verginia as a slave.
My favorite part of Book 4 was the debate over a law about marriage between patricians and plebeians and the right for plebeians to be consuls. Canuleius' speech from this section was brilliant, and could easily have been used 2000+ years later when debating a woman's right to vote, etc.. Here are some of Livy's best lines:
'When we raise the question of making a plebeian consul, is it the same as if we were to say that a slave or a freedman should attain that office? Have you any conception of the contempt in which you are held? They would take from you, were it possible, a part of the daylight. That you breathe, that you speak, that you have the shape of men, fills them with resentment." (Book IV, iii 7-8)
"'But,' you say, 'from the time the kings were expelled no plebeian has ever been consul.' Well, what then? Must no new institution be adopted? Ought that which has not yet been done -- and in a new nation many things have not yet been done -- never to be put in practice, even if it be expedient?" (Book IV, iv 1).
"Finally, I would ask, is it you, or the Roman People, who have supreme authority? Did the banishment of the kings bring you dominion, or to all men equal liberty?" (Book IV, v 1).
______________________________
Book 5 (Gauls at Rome)
One of my favorite characters in the book is Marcus Furius Camillus, one of Rome's great, early generals. He was given at his death the title of Second Founder of Rome after he helped to defend a sacked Rome against the Senoni chieftain Brennus and his gallic warriors.
Some men are generals. Some are statesmen. Others just seem to have it all. Camellus is one of those men who seem destined to lead, protect, and inspire. These three books are filled with battles, wars, and manly, martial speeches. I think one of the best parts of these early Roman histories of Livy are his speeches. Obviously, he is embellishing things and probably making a great deal up, but still -- this is damn good stuff. Here are some of Livy's best lines:
'Do we think the bodies of our soldiers so effeminate, their hearts so faint, that they cannot endure to be one winter in camp, away from home; that like sailors they must wage war with an eye on the weather, observing the seasons, incapable of withstanding heat or cold?" (Book V, vi 4)
"The gods themselves never laid hands upon the guilty; it was enough if they armed with an opportunity for vengeance those who had been wronged." (Book V, xi 16).
"...since it commonly turned out that in proportion as a man was prone to seek a leading share of toil and danger, he was slow in plundering." (Book V, xx 6)....more
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