Full-length / unabridged audiobook for free. With full text, split on chapters.
"The History of Rome," written by the ancient Roman historian Titus Livius, commonly known as Livy, is a monumental work that covers the history of Rome from its legendary foundation to the early days of the Roman Empire. Livy's work is one of the most important sources for our understanding of Roman history and culture, and it consists of a series of books or volumes, known as "Ab Urbe Condita" (From the Founding of the City), which are often referred to as "The History of Rome."

Here is a detailed summary of the book:

1. Title and Structure:
- The full title of the work is "Ab Urbe Condita Libri," which means "Books from the Founding of the City."
- The history is divided into multiple books or volumes, with the exact number of books varying in different editions. The complete work originally comprised 142 books, but only a fraction of them have survived.

2. Historiographical Approach:
- Livy's work is not just a chronological account of Rome's history; it also includes moral and philosophical elements. He believed that the study of history could provide valuable lessons for contemporary society.

3. Mythical Beginnings:
- Livy begins his narrative with the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus and the early myths and tales surrounding the city's origins. He blends myth and history in the early parts of his work.

4. Kings of Rome:
- Livy describes the period of Roman monarchy, including the reigns of the seven kings of Rome, leading up to the establishment of the Roman Republic.

5. Roman Republic:
- A significant portion of Livy's work is dedicated to the Roman Republic, which covers the expansion of Rome through conquests, internal conflicts, and the development of the Roman political and legal systems.

6. Punic Wars:
- Livy extensively narrates the three Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage, which were crucial in determining Rome's dominance in the Mediterranean world.

7. Roman Conquests:
- The book discusses Rome's military campaigns and territorial acquisitions, including the conquest of Greece, Macedonia, Asia Minor, and the Hellenistic kingdoms.

8. Civil Wars:
- Livy covers the tumultuous period of civil wars in Rome, including the conflict between Marius and Sulla, the rivalry between Julius Caesar and Pompey, and the ultimate rise of Augustus (Octavian) as the first Roman Emperor.

9. Augustus and the Roman Empire:
- The final books of Livy's work narrate the early reign of Augustus (Octavian) and the establishment of the Roman Empire.

10. Historical Perspective and Lessons:
- Throughout his work, Livy offers his insights into the moral and ethical aspects of Roman history. He often reflects on the decline of Roman virtues and the impact of various events on the Roman character.

11. Legacy:
- Livy's "The History of Rome" has had a profound influence on the study of Roman history and has been widely read and quoted by historians and scholars for centuries.

12. Historical Accuracy:
- While Livy's work is a rich source of information, it's important to note that it contains a mix of fact and legend. Some events and stories are presented in a legendary or semi-mythical manner, making it necessary for historians to critically evaluate the historical accuracy of his accounts.

In summary, Titus Livius' "The History of Rome" is a comprehensive and enduring account of Rome's history, from its legendary beginnings to the early days of the Roman Empire. It provides valuable insights into the politics, culture, and moral values of ancient Rome, and its influence on the study of Roman history has persisted for centuries.

Intro 00:00:00
BOOK 1. 00:00:04
CHAPTER I. 00:06:59
BOOK II. 02:57:21
BOOK III 06:01:36
More: history of rome, titus livius, full-length audiobook
ancient rome, rome history, roman empire
roman republic, roman mythology, julius caesar
constantine the great, fall of rome