The Birth Of Rome
The story of the foundation of the Eternal City
In the early years of the newly-established Roman Empire, a writer would forge the story of his nation. Titus Livius, known as Livy today, would compose the Ab Urbe Condita Libri. Known today as the History of Rome, his work was the entire history from the city to the empire. Of his history, only 35 of the original 142 books survive. The first 10 books though lays the foundation of what we know of the birth of Rome as a city.
But what can we learn from these stories that he told? Livy who lived almost 800 years after the story he tells to rely on oral tradition and works that are long gone. he even states at the beginning of his work:
“Whether I am likely to accomplish anything worthy of the labour, if I record the achievements of the Roman people from the foundation of the city, I do not really know, nor would I dare to avouch it…”*
Most historians will say that this story is a myth. Made up to explain how Rome become the empire that controlled the Mediterranean Sea. But like any myth, there has to be an origin to how it was composed. Like any myth, there is likely truth built into the lie. Though I, like many others, think this myth is nottrue, I think the people in it were once real. But given Livy is our only source, it is doubtful that we will ever know…
