The history of Rome from its founding to Livy's own time — 142 books covering 700 years. Only 35 survive, but they contain some of the most famous stories in Western civilisation: Romulus and Remus, Horatius at the bridge, Hannibal crossing the Alps, Scipio at Zama.
Start ReadingThe foundation of Rome. From the arrival of Aeneas in Italy through the legendary kings Romulus and Numa to the rape of Lucretia and the expulsion of the Tarquins — the mythic origins of the Roman state.
The establishment of the Republic. The first consuls, the wars with the Etruscans and Sabines, the secession of the plebs to the Sacred Mount, and the dictatorship of Cincinnatus.
The decemvirate and its fall. The creation of the Twelve Tables, the tyranny of Appius Claudius, and the second secession of the plebs that restores liberty.
Rome's early expansion. Wars with Veii, the Aequi, and the Volsci. The growing conflict between patricians and plebeians over land and political rights.
The Gallic catastrophe. The siege and capture of Veii, the disaster at the Allia, and the sack of Rome by the Gauls under Brennus — the deepest crisis in early Roman history.
Recovery and expansion after the Gallic sack. The rebuilding of Rome, the Licinian-Sextian rogations opening the consulship to plebeians, and renewed wars against the Etruscans and Gauls.
Roman wars in central Italy. Campaigns against the Samnites begin, along with continuing conflicts with the Gauls, Etruscans, and Hernici.
The Latin War and its aftermath. Rome's decisive victory over the Latin League at the battle of the Vesuvius, the dissolution of the League, and the settlement that made the Latins Roman subjects.
The Samnite Wars intensify. Roman victories and setbacks in the mountain warfare of central Italy, including campaigns against the Samnites, Etruscans, and the foundation of new colonies.
The climax of the Samnite Wars. Roman victories that establish dominance over central Italy. The book closes with Rome as the leading power in the peninsula.
Hannibal crosses the Alps. The opening of the Second Punic War — Hannibal's siege of Saguntum, his epic march from Spain across the Alps into Italy, and the first engagements with the Roman armies.
Cannae. Hannibal destroys the Roman army at Lake Trasimene, then inflicts the worst military disaster in Roman history at Cannae — 50,000 dead in a single afternoon. Rome faces annihilation.
The aftermath of Cannae. The defection of Capua and other Italian allies to Hannibal. Rome refuses to negotiate, raises new armies, and begins the long strategy of attrition that will eventually prevail.
The war spreads. Fighting in Sicily, Sardinia, and Spain. The siege of Syracuse and the death of Archimedes. Rome struggles to contain Hannibal while fighting on multiple fronts.
The fall of Syracuse and setbacks in Spain. Marcellus captures Syracuse after a prolonged siege. The Scipiones are defeated and killed in Spain, threatening Rome's position in the peninsula.
The reconquest of Capua and Italy. Rome recaptures Capua with savage reprisals, and Hannibal's famous march on Rome — which produces panic but no siege. The tide begins to turn in Italy.
Scipio in Spain and Hasdrubal's march. The young Scipio captures New Carthage in a brilliant assault. Hasdrubal crosses the Alps to reinforce his brother Hannibal, but is intercepted and destroyed at the Metaurus.
Scipio conquers Spain and prepares to invade Africa. Roman victories in Spain end Carthaginian power in the peninsula. Scipio returns to Rome and secures the command for the African campaign.
Scipio invades Africa. The Roman army lands in North Africa, defeats the Carthaginian forces, and Hannibal is recalled from Italy to defend his homeland.
Zama. Scipio defeats Hannibal in the decisive battle that ends the Second Punic War. Carthage accepts harsh peace terms. Rome emerges as the dominant power in the western Mediterranean.
The opening of Roman expansion eastward. Diplomatic conflicts with Philip V of Macedon lead to the Second Macedonian War.
The Second Macedonian War. Roman campaigns in Greece against Philip V of Macedon, culminating in the decisive Roman victory at Cynoscephalae.
The liberation of Greece. Flamininus proclaims Greek freedom at the Isthmian Games. Antiochus III of Syria begins to emerge as Rome's next major adversary.
The escalation of the conflict with Antiochus and renewed tensions in Spain. The debate over the Lex Oppia on female luxury, and Cato the Elder's moral conservatism.
Diplomacy and the approach of war with Antiochus III. Hannibal takes refuge at the Syrian court. The political and diplomatic manoeuvring that precedes open conflict.
The Syrian War. Rome crosses into Asia for the first time and defeats Antiochus III at the battle of Magnesia — establishing Roman hegemony over the eastern Mediterranean.
The aftermath of Magnesia. The peace settlement with Antiochus, Roman campaigns in Asia Minor and Galatia, and the triumph of Scipio Asiaticus.
Roman politics and the trial of the Scipios. Cato's attack on the Scipionic faction, campaigns in Liguria and Spain, and the growing tensions in Roman domestic politics.
The suppression of the Bacchanalia — the Roman Senate's brutal crackdown on the cult of Bacchus in 186 BC. Campaigns in Liguria, Spain, and Gaul.
The deaths of Scipio Africanus and Hannibal. The end of an era as the two greatest commanders of the Punic Wars die within a year of each other. Conflicts in Liguria and the beginnings of trouble in Macedonia.
Rome prepares for the Third Macedonian War. The rising power of Perseus of Macedon, diplomatic tensions, and the political manoeuvring that precedes the final confrontation.
The Third Macedonian War begins. Roman campaigns against Perseus, initial setbacks, and the difficulties of fighting in the mountains of Macedonia.
The fragmentary remainder of the Third Macedonian War narrative. Roman campaigns in Greece and Macedonia as the war reaches its critical phase.
Aemilius Paullus takes command. The decisive Roman victory at Pydna in 168 BC destroys the Macedonian kingdom. Perseus is captured and the Antigonid dynasty ends.
The settlement of Greece and Macedonia after Pydna. The triumph of Aemilius Paullus, the fate of the Greek states, and the new order in the eastern Mediterranean.