The Early History of Rome (Books I-V)

An epic endeavor by a man genuinely enamored of his native Rome Livys History of Rome was originally written in 142 books spanning the entire history of the Roman people up to Livys day in the time of Augustus in the first century BC. Of this monumental history which took most of the Livys life to complete only 45 books still survive today. Livy begins with Aeneas landing in Italy and the myth of the founding of Rome by Romulus. In later books Livy thoroughly covers the numerous wars and rulers of Rome. Though the work is a bit biased its countless references to other sources are a testament of Livys attempt to create an accurate understandable history of the Roman Kingdom and later the Republic. Simultaneously a glorification of Rome and a passionate warning to future Romans Ab Urbe Condita reflects the magnificence and ignominy the opinions and interests and the myths and political realities of one of historys most remarkable civilizations. This edition which is printed on a premium acid-free paper and follows the translation of D. Spillan collects the first five books of Livys history beginning with the landing of Aeneas and concluding with the conquest of the Gauls.