Sexual Violence In Livy

Throughout the many works of Livy, there are countless tales of Roman men embodying many of the core Roman values. These men are shown exuding these values that were core to Roman behavior. These men are often portrayed as heroes in battle like Romulus, or great figures who come to save Rome in times of need like Cincinnatus. These men embody what it means to be honorable and faithful Romans. On the other hand, women such as Lucretia and Verginia are portrayed as a type of martyr. These women embody the same great Roman values as their male counterparts but they are put in positions of sexual violence that ultimately lead to drastic change in Roman society. These moral women’s honor and piety are tarnished by immoral men who lacked the values core …show more content…
At the time of Livy, the Republic 's golden age has passed and his writings often reflect on these core Roman values, as he believes that the Rome of his time had lost its morality and uses his writings as ways to learn from the past. Livy portrays these acts of sexual violence against women as a parallel to the time he is writing, throughout these two cases sexual violence acts as a catalyst for change in Rome to unseat immorality and reinstill as sense of morality and values in Rome.
The story of Lucretia, takes place at a pivotal time in early Roman history. Rome at this time had lived through seven kings, and was living under the rule of what be their last. The narrative begins with a debate between Sextus Tarquinius, the son of the king, and Collatinus over who had the better wife. In order to settle the dispute they decide to drop in on both of their wives. When they arrive at Collantinus’s home