Date of Birth: 59 BCE
Zodiac Sign: Unknown
Date of Death: 17 CE
Biography
Titus Livius, commonly known as Livy, was a renowned Roman historian born in 59 BCE in Patavium (modern-day Padua, Italy). He is best known for his monumental work, “Ab Urbe Condita Libri” (Books from the Foundation of the City), which chronicles the history of Rome from its mythical origins to his own time. Livy’s extensive history consisted originally of 142 books, of which only 35 have survived. His narrative style was characterized by a keen eye for detail, a moralistic tone, and a commitment to the ideals of the Roman Republic. Despite the fragmentary state of his work, Livy remains a crucial primary source for understanding early Roman history and the Roman mindset. Livy’s lifetime spanned the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, and though he witnessed the rise of Augustus, his writings often reflected a nostalgia for the earlier republican virtues. Livy spent much of his life in Rome, where he was close to the political and intellectual elite, including the future emperor Augustus. He passed away in 17 CE in his hometown of Patavium.
5 Interesting Facts about Livy
1. Livy’s “Ab Urbe Condita Libri” originally contained 142 books, but only 35 have survived in their entirety.
2. Livy never held any public office, which was unusual for Roman historians of his time.
3. His history was used in Roman schools as a moral guide for young Romans.
4. Livy was a close friend and advisor to Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.
5. He was known for his patriotic fervor and often idealized Rome’s past.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Livy
1. “The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see.”
2. “The subjects most attractive to scholars are those which are not too remote from the human experience and can be of practical use.”
3. “In history, as in life, it is success that counts.”
4. “Men are only too clever at shifting blame from their own shoulders to those of others.”
5. “The old Romans all wished to have a king over them because they had not yet tasted the sweetness of freedom.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
There is no historical record of Livy’s net worth, as wealth assessments for ancient Roman figures are rarely documented.
Children
There is no reliable historical record regarding Livy’s children, and it is generally assumed that he left no direct descendants.
Relevant Links
1. [Livy – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livy
3. [The Life and Works of Livy](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Livy
5. [Livy – The Latin Library](http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/livy.html
