LIVY, FLS I*, FLS II*, FLS III*, FLS IV*  [FLS=Favorite Livy Story]
 
FASCES, CONSULS, PATRICIANS, PLEBIANS, STRUGGLE OF ORDERS, TWELVE TABLES, SECESSIO, LEX HORTENSIA, TRIBUNES, CAMILLUS, GAULS, FIRST PUNIC WAR, SECOND PUNIC WAR, HANNIBAL, (FABIUS MAXIMUS), (THIRD PUNIC WAR)

EQUESTRIANS, PROLETARIAT, TIBERIUS GRACCHUS, GAIUS GRACCHUS, MARCUS (LIVIUS DRUSUS I), SENATUS CONSULTUM ULTIMUM

SALLUST, JUGURTHA, POPULARES, OPTIMATES, MASINISSA, MARIUS, SULLA

MARIUS, SULLA, CIMBRI AND TEUTONES, SATURNINUS AND GLAUCIA, MARCUS LIVIUS DRUSUS (II), SOCIAL WAR, MITHRIDATES OF PONTUS, CINNA, PROSCRIPTION

(PLAUTUS), (THE SWAGGERING SOLDIER), (THE PRISONERS), (POT OF GOLD), (PSEUDOLOS), (BROTHERS MENAECHMUS)

FAVORITE BLOG I,  FAVORITE BLOG II, FAVORITE BLOG III

A.  Only a very little can be said with any certainty about the earliest period of Roman history.  Still, the little we do know is very important in helping us to understand subsequent history.  Comment.

B.  The growth of Rome from a small city state into a great empire during the period of the Roman Republic is one of the most amazing success stories in all history.  In some ways, it is surprising that Rome even managed to survive during this period.  On the other hand, close examination shows that Roman success in the days of the Republic was no accident.  Comment.

C.  The Roman Revolution was largely the indirect product of Rome's many wars, particularly the Punic Wars.  Yet there was another cause as well: the selfishness and short-sightedness of the ruling class of Rome, the senators.  Perhaps one of the best examples of this is the story of the Gracchi brothers.  Comment.

D.  Though in some respects a relatively unimportant war, the War with Jugurtha was an important turning point in Roman history. In addition, the Jugurthine War is one of the most fascinating stories in Roman history. Comment.

E.  Marius and Sulla were both true patriots, and it is clear that each man saved Rome for horrible disaster.  Nevertheless, both men also brought disaster on the Roman people.   Comment.

(F.  The plays of Plautus are both entertaining and valuable as historical sources--though sources that must be used with some caution.  Comment.)