Who Wrote 'History Of Rome' And When Was It Published?

I've always been fascinated by ancient historians, and 'History of Rome' is one of those monumental works that shaped how we view antiquity. The author is Titus Livius, commonly known as Livy, a Roman historian who lived during the reign of Augustus. He started writing around 27 BCE and continued for decades, producing 142 volumes that covered Rome's history from its legendary founding to 9 BCE. Only about a quarter survived to modern times, but what remains gives us incredible insight into Roman values and military conquests. Livy wrote with this vivid narrative style that made historical figures feel alive, blending myths with facts in a way that reflected Rome's self-image as destined to rule the world. If you enjoy epic historical storytelling, you might also appreciate 'The Annals' by Tacitus for a grittier take on imperial Rome.

As someone who geeks out over classical literature, I can tell you Livy's 'History of Rome' is the ultimate deep dive into the Republic's rise. Written between 27 BCE and 9 BCE, this wasn't just a dry record—it was a cultural project funded by Augustus to legitimize his regime. Livy crafted these dramatic scenes, like Horatius defending the bridge or Lucretia’s tragedy, that became foundational myths. The pacing is brilliant; he slows down for pivotal moments like the Punic Wars, then speeds through less dramatic periods.

What’s wild is how much we’ve lost. Fire, wars, and time destroyed most of the original scrolls. Books 1-10 and 21-45 survived mostly intact, but the rest exist only in fragments or summaries by later scholars. The surviving parts focus heavily on Rome’s early kings and the struggle against Carthage, showing Livy’s flair for military strategy and moral lessons. His portrayal of Hannibal still influences how we think about strategic genius today.

For modern readers, Penguin Classics has a great abridged translation that captures Livy’s flair. If you want the full experience, try pairing it with Polybius’ 'The Histories'—he was a Greek contemporary who analyzed Rome’s government with more objectivity, creating a fascinating contrast to Livy’s patriotic style.

Livy’s 'History of Rome' is that rare work that feels both ancient and fresh. Written during Augustus’ reign (started circa 27 BCE), it’s less about dates and more about Rome’s soul. Livy wasn’t just documenting—he was crafting an origin story for an empire. His account of early Rome mixes folklore with politics, like Romulus’ fratricide mirroring Rome’s civil wars. The tone shifts from poetic (describing Cincinnatus leaving his farm to save Rome) to brutal (the rape of the Sabine women).

Modern historians debate his accuracy, but that misses the point. Livy wanted to teach virtue through history. Scipio Africanus’ humility, Camillus’ exile—these were moral parables. The publication wasn’t a single event; he released scrolls gradually, almost like a serialized drama. Seneca wrote that crowds would gather when new volumes arrived.

For something similarly immersive, check out 'SPQR' by Mary Beard. She critiques Livy’s myths while showing why they endure. Or try Colleen McCullough’s 'Masters of Rome' novels—they expand Livy’s characters with psychological depth.