Livy

surface, Romulus and Remus both of them want the throne, and proclaim that their signs from god as evidence to why they should be proclaimed king. This is complicated by their being multiple interpretations of why Romulus ended up slaying Remus, with Livy saying that the more common version was that Remus kept jumping over the walls of Romulus’ settlement, and was killed for doing so repeatedly. This interpretation and the other one are both plausible explanations, with the first one being…

became a republic shortly before becoming the distinguished empire we know it to be. Many different aspects of their culture were derived in areas such as Syria, Britain, North Africa, as well as many more. Livy demonstrates in A History of Rome that, “no state was ever greater than Rome” (Livy, The Early History of Rome, 1.Preface). Rome overall was a great example for new and upcoming civilizations to learn and grow based on the mistakes and challenges met by the dominant Roman empire. Despite…

Sallust discusses power in the preface of The Conspiracy of Catiline, he states that power can come from the mind or the body, but he makes the argument that the power of the mind is more resilient than the power of the body (Sal.Cat.pre.1.12-14). Bodily power is strength and might, while the power of the mind involves mental prowess and knowledge. He uses the example of war and says that in the beginning there was a focus on physical power rather than knowledge through strategizing, but after…

The Roman society of antiquity was one in which there were distinct social classes determining who could associate with whom, and in what ways. While the senatorial class and the equestrian elites were certainly able to communicate amongst themselves, the actors, slaves, gladiatorial combatants, and other lower class peoples were looked down upon and often were not given opportunities for upward social mobility. This was somewhat different in the case of the prostitutes and, to a lesser degree,…

because that is how you are taught, to do everything and anything you can for Rome. This goes all the way back to the founding or Rome when Romulus killed Remus because he challenged him as he said, “So perish whoever else shall overlap my battlements.” (Livy, 37). Romulus killed is own brother so Rome could succeed and it is that lesson, to do what ever is necessary for Rome is passed down and followed. I understand that you are willing to do what ever is necessary to defend Rome but that does…

Hobbes refutes Machiavelli’s arguments concerning an ideal prince by arguing against Machiavelli’s rejection of natural law, his subsequent alteration of justice, and his misapplication of the good life. Hobbes begins by refuting Machiavelli’s rejection of natural law. While both men cite the nature of man as violent whether in acquisition through force, or a standing disposition of war, Hobbes argues that this bent of men stands in opposition to natural law. While men remain independent…

Livy lamented the republic’s early days, when morality seemed to play a more important role in the patricians’ careers, and wondered, “such decency of feeling, such fairness and magnanimity [that] characterized...the whole body of the Roman commons,” wondering…

still impress scholars today. Overthrowing the Monarchy No one could have guessed the major impact Lucretia’s rape would bring about. A whole republic formed because of this tragic event. Livy, a historian, recounts the rape of Lucretia as a result of selfishness and desire. In the story, there were a bunch of men gathered around at a table and among them was Sextus Tarquinius (son of Superbus Tarquinius, King of Rome). All the men…

people. This is significant because it gives readers an insight to what life may be like as a peasant, a slave, or a prostitute, or just a plain old merchant. This is different from other Roman writers such as Livy, a historian who wrote about Roman history in books, instead of plays. Livy wrote his texts in the third person perspective.…

According to Merriam-Webster.com, a citizen defines as “a native or naturalized person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it,” but what defines a good citizen? It is difficult to determine if a citizen is good or bad for one’s community. Each individual has a unique role. Through Aristotle’s four causes in Physics, one is able to determine what qualities are required to be considered a good citizen, while through Plato’s Five Dialogues and Aristotle’s…