The beginnings of the republic from 509 to 390 BC

This essay is a brief overview of major episodes described in Books 2-5 of Livy and evaluates their historicity by employing critical historical analysis. It generally adopts the perspective and conclusions already reached by the author in his more detailed scholarly writings, which view the Roman traditions concerning events of the fifth century in a highly critical light. Nevertheless, despite the essay’s summary nature, the author has taken this opportunity to express some hitherto unpublished ideas in reference to Book 4, the most neglected book of Livy’s First Pentad.