Rome and Italy: Books VI-X of The History of Rome from Its Foundation (Penguin Classics)

Livy, a contemporary of the Emperor Augustus, devoted his adult life to the writing of his HISTORY OF ROME. The entire work was probably intended to comprise 120 books. Subsequently it seems he was prevailed upon to add a further 30 books covering contemporary events, of which he completed just 22. Only 35 of the total of 142 books Livy wrote survive to the present day. They come from among the first 45 and cover most of the period from the founding of Rome to 167 BC. This volume, ROME AND ITALY, contains Books VI through X, covering the period from 386 BC (the aftermath of Rome's defeat by the Gauls) to 292 BC. During this 94 year span, Rome rose to become the dominant power on the Italian peninsula.Most of the events Livy describes happened long before his lifetime. Because of the sparse written records, especially from Rome's early history, he had to rely on traditional information, the writings of other historians, and public records (i.e. inscriptions, statues, lists of consuls and triumphs). On occasion, when faced with conflicting accounts, Livy notes his difficulty and presents the different possibilities along with comments on what he believes was the most likely course of events.Two common themes run through the histories presented in this volume. One is the continual warfare between Rome and its rivals, most notably the Samnites and the Etruscans. Livy's description of these events is episodic, giving the reader little sense of the larger conflict. There's an uprising here, another there, but little indication of the broader objective as Rome extends its power and dominion ever farther. It always seems that the city is threatened and has no choice but to respond.The other recurring theme is the political battle within Rome between the dominant patricians, determined to hold on to their monopoly of the most powerful state positions, and the plebeians, who aspire to a share of leadership. Livy, a believer in the virtue and superiority of the old ways, but sympathetic to the talents and abilities of many of the plebeian leaders, seems personally torn on this issue. At times he seems to support the propriety of one side, at times the aspirations of the other.Livy is probably not the most rigorous historian ever, but remember that he intended his HISTORY for a popular and contemporary audience, and not with future ages much in mind. He wanted to inform, and to promote what he saw as the traditional virtues of Roman society to the populace of his own era, which he viewed as corrupt and decadent. Even now, however, his work makes for interesting and informative reading. Some of what he relates is mythical in nature, some possibly sensationalized, but he was writing for a popular audience and sought to entertain as well as inform. His work still does exactly that. It's an opportunity to look at events through the eyes of a man who lived more than two thousand years ago. I found this book fascinating. It's classic history. Don't pass it by.

Like the Early History of Rome (Books 1-5), I though this was a good edition. The translation is reasonably accessible and the work important.In it one learns of a number of episodic tales (perhaps garnered from folklore by Livy?) recounting wars with Gauls, Sabines, etc. and the advancement of Roman military tactics along with the usual politics, intrigue, and moral stories one is used to finding from Livy.This is a fine edition. It is not quite as important as the Early History but it is important nonetheless and this translation is as good as any.

The second five books of Livy's history of Rome from its foundations are epic and inspiring. The magic of Livy is only greater in the 1st five books, where the mythology and Livy's admiration for the characters are greater. The 6th book begins at a time when Rome was still just a single city, though a powerful and feared one, with a few allies and many treacherous enemies constantly watching for their opportunity to attack. Livy paints a picture of Rome's victories that shows that intelligence and fairness are the keys to military success, while Rome's enemies' treachery and ham-fisted strategies can only lead to failure.The epic story of Rome is still very fresh and riveting in books VI-X. Anyone who read and enjoyed the first five books should gain a similar joy from reading the next five.I am currently reading Gibbon's unabridged History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, and though I'm only a chapter or two into it it seems clear that it won't hold a candle to Livy for sheer epic excitement. Though I could be wrong.

Maps were not very good, but in general it was a good competent translation.

I like this translation very much, and am learning a great deal as I peruse my way through it.

The earliest written histories belong to Egypt, but it's Italy's expanding Roman empire that usually sparks the most interest because of it's sheer size. They were said to have brought civilization with their roads, aqueducts, baths, and soldiers. The Hellenization of the world with the spread of Greek philosphy influenced the Romans whose system was then adopted by both European and US government's (are based on Roman law).I wanted to try different authors who were describing their own time period (first-hand accounts) but had poor sources for early time periods. Fighting Latins to conquer Italy

Book looks awesome

Sorry Livy, these ten books were a bit boring and pretty repetitive. Basically constant wars with Romes neighbors. The first five books are definitely a more fun read.Of course these books are priceless and the fact that we have them is amazing. This translation is very readable.

Good translation of Livy's books VI-X detailing how Rome became the dominant regional power in Central Italy through the long struggle with the Samnites and the Etruscans. What I like about these Penguin editions of the classics is that the notes are at the foot of the page, which I find very helpful.

For all lovers of Roman history.

The limitations of Livy’s works are well known but they are still some of the best written historical works in existence. Meshing history with moral examples which Livy viewed as important to the Roman fibre. He was a patriot and he writes as such, but he was not a blind one. A phenomenal piece of work that kept me going page after page.

Esta libro explica el inicio de la ciudad de Roma. Mucho de esto es leyenda y poco verificado pero sin embargo importante para un educación básica de Roma.

The first thing you will notice about Livy; is that this guy really knows how to tell a story. Sure he is a little over the top with his Roman bias, but who cares. Livy turns Roman history into a series of fun to read tales.The reader also becomes somewhat overwhelmed by the almost constant warfare, of the ancient world. These people lived and died by the rule of the sword. Throw in the occasional plague outbreak, civil uprising, crop failure, and you start to get a good idea of how these people lived their lives.Anyone that is interested in political history and military strategy, will find Livy offers lots of examples.There is one section where Livy gets off track, and compares Alexander The Great, to the Roman military machine. He debates whether or not Alexander could have beaten the Romans. The argument ended up sounding like a sports debate, comparing Orr and Gretzky.Over all this was a very informative and enjoyable history.