• Preface: Livy contemplates the value of recounting the history of Rome, acknowledging the challenge of distinguishing fact from legend. He emphasizes the importance of learning from history, highlighting the rise and decline of Roman morals over time.

Chapter I: After the fall of Troy, Æneas and Antenor, spared by the Greeks, embark on separate journeys. Antenor settles in the Adriatic with the Heneti, while Æneas travels through Macedonia, Sicily, and finally to the Laurentine territory. Here, he forms alliances with King Latinus, marries his daughter Lavinia, and establishes the city of Lavinium. Their son, Ascanius, later founds Alba Longa.

Chapter II: The growing power of the Trojans and Aborigines attracts the attention of neighboring tribes. Turnus, a suitor once promised Lavinia, wages war against Æneas and Latinus. The Trojans ally with the Etruscans, leading to a significant battle where Æneas emerges victorious but loses Latinus. Æneas later dies and is deified as Jupiter Indiges.

Chapter III: Ascanius' reign sees the expansion of the Latin state. Several generations of rulers follow, each contributing to the growth and consolidation of their territories. The narrative traces the lineage of rulers, highlighting significant events and developments.

Chapter IV: Amulius usurps the throne from his brother Numitor, killing his heirs and forcing Numitor's daughter, Rhea Sylvia, into perpetual virginity as a Vestal Virgin. However, Rhea gives birth to twins, Romulus and Remus, claiming Mars as their father. To eliminate the threat they pose, Amulius orders the twins to be drowned in the Tiber River. Fate intervenes, and the twins are raised by a she-wolf and later by a shepherd, Faustulus, and his wife, Laurentia.

Chapter V: The twins grow up unaware of their royal lineage. As young men, they become leaders of a band of shepherds, clashing with the established powers of the region. A dispute over the rightful place to establish a new city results in Romulus killing Remus. Romulus then founds Rome on the Palatine Hill.

Chapter VI: Livy recounts the legend of Hercules and Cacus, emphasizing the divine favor upon the nascent city of Rome. Evander, an Arcadian prince, introduces Hercules' worship, which Romulus adopts. The Potitii and Pinarii families are entrusted with the sacred rites, establishing religious traditions that endure for generations.

Quotes:

1. "I shall employ myself to a useful purpose."
2. "It will...be a satisfaction to me, that I too have contributed my share."
3. "The renown of the Roman people in war."
4. "We can neither endure our vices, nor their remedies."
5. "Instances of every variety of conduct displayed on a conspicuous monument."
6. "So shall every one fare, who shall dare to leap over my fortifications."
7. "The vestal Rhea, being deflowered by force."
8. "The tutelary gods of the place to choose, by augury."
9. "Romulus got the sovereignty to himself."
10. "The city, when built, was called after the name of its founder."
11. "His first work was to fortify the Palatine hill."
12. "Hail! Hercules! son of Jupiter."
13. "A sacrifice was offered to Hercules of a chosen heifer."
14. "The origin of so great a city."
15. "The establishment of an empire next in power to that of the gods."
16. "The Trojans ally with the Etruscans."
17. "The twins grow up unaware of their royal lineage."
18. "Romulus then founds Rome on the Palatine Hill."
19. "Livy recounts the legend of Hercules and Cacus."
20. "Evander, an Arcadian prince, introduces Hercules' worship."

This article provides a concise overview of Livy's account of the origins of Rome, highlighting key events, characters, and themes. The selected quotes capture the essence of the narrative and its significance in the broader context of Roman history and mythology.

If you want to Read it yourself, the Link is here:

Livy on Rome