A history of Rome from its mythological origins to the First Punic War, in twenty books. Dionysius argues that Rome is fundamentally a Greek city. Eleven books survive — a major source for early Roman history.
Start ReadingThe origins of Rome. Dionysius argues that the Romans are descended from Greeks and traces the prehistoric migrations that brought Hellenic peoples to Italy.
The age of Romulus. The foundation of Rome, the establishment of its institutions, and the wars with the Sabines.
The reign of Tullus Hostilius. The destruction of Alba Longa, the combat of the Horatii and Curiatii, and Rome's growing dominance over its neighbours.
The reign of Ancus Marcius and Tarquinius Priscus. The foundation of Ostia, the expansion of Rome, and the arrival of the Etruscan dynasty.
Servius Tullius and the constitutional reforms. The creation of the census classes, the centuriate assembly, and the military organisation of the Roman people.
The tyranny of Tarquinius Superbus and the birth of the Republic. The rape of Lucretia, the expulsion of the kings, and the establishment of the consulship.
The early Republic. The wars with the Sabines and Volscians, the first secession of the plebs, and the creation of the tribunes.
The story of Coriolanus. The patrician general who joins Rome's enemies and marches on the city, only to be turned back by his mother's entreaty.
Continuing struggles between patricians and plebeians. The agrarian disputes, the Volscian wars, and the gradual expansion of plebeian rights.
The decemvirate. The creation of the Twelve Tables, the tyranny of Appius Claudius, and the revolution that restores the traditional constitution.
The aftermath of the decemvirate. Renewed warfare against the Volscians, Aequi, and Etruscans, and continuing constitutional development.
Fragment. The surviving portions describe events of the early to mid-fifth century BC, including military campaigns and internal political disputes.
Fragment. The surviving portions describe events of the early to mid-fifth century BC, including military campaigns and internal political disputes.
Fragment. The surviving portions describe events of the early to mid-fifth century BC, including military campaigns and internal political disputes.
Fragment. The surviving portions describe events of the early to mid-fifth century BC, including military campaigns and internal political disputes.
Fragment. The surviving portions describe events of the early to mid-fifth century BC, including military campaigns and internal political disputes.
Fragment. The surviving portions describe events of the early to mid-fifth century BC, including military campaigns and internal political disputes.
Fragment. The surviving portions describe events of the early to mid-fifth century BC, including military campaigns and internal political disputes.
Fragment. The surviving portions describe events of the early to mid-fifth century BC, including military campaigns and internal political disputes.