During the period from Rome's Stone Age beginnings on the Tiber River to its
conquest of the Italian peninsula in 264 BC, the Romans in large measure
developed the social, political, and military structure. This account traces
Rome's early development within a multicultural environment of Latins,
Sabines, Etruscans, Greeks, and Phoenicians.
By quantitative and thematic analysis of a carefully defined set of data this book examines Livy's caution toward the quasi-historical traditions of early Rome recorded in his first ten books, the limitations of his historical judgment, and how he tried to resolve conflicts in his sources. It also treats his religious outlook and his use of digressions and historical speeches. "The complexity of the database is admirable and shows the length to which Forsythe has gone in order to maintain an 'objective' stance towards Livy's material. However, this is decidedly a book for the expert. It should provide a convenient starting point for professional historians and historiographers wishing to investigate Livy's working methods and his approach to the traditions of early history of the Rome.„ Scholia Reviews “F. has opened the door for further work in the neglected area of Livy's 'anonymous' citations and his authorical comments. The major contributions of Livy and Early Rome are F.'s articulation of method and the provision of analytical tools for achieving historical objectives. Their value will be confirmed by future scholarly work." International Journal of Classical Tradition
The book explores the remarkable expansion of the Roman Empire, which evolved from a small city into a vast territory covering approximately 1.7 million miles. It delves into the empire's significant contributions to warfare, politics, and the arts, highlighting their lasting impact on the Western world. Through its innovations, the Roman Empire shaped various aspects of modern society, making it a pivotal subject of study for understanding historical and contemporary influences.
Focusing on the interplay of time and religion, this work explores both the Roman Republic and Empire's religious histories. Gary Forsythe presents six studies that highlight how concepts of time influenced Roman religious thought and practices. By bridging the gap between the two distinct periods, the book offers a comprehensive understanding of Roman religion, showcasing its evolution and diversity through the lens of temporal concepts.