Livy's History of Rome (28 vols.)
Livy’s History of Rome recounts Rome’s history from its mythical founding (ca. 735 BC) to the reign of Augustus in Livy’s own day. The Latin title, Ab urbe condita libri, translates literally to “Books since the city’s founding.” Though History was originally a 142-book project, only about 35 books, roughly 25%, survived history. The style of the work shifts between a basic chronology of events and leaders and a more narrative style. Books 1–10 and 21–30 have become paradigmatic examples of Golden Age Latin.
Learn moreSpicilegium Syriacum
Spicilegium Syriacum is a collection of important early Christian documents that provide immense insights into the intellectual perspectives of early Christians, and reveal significant historical details not found elsewhere. Bardesan’s The Book of the Laws of Countries provides unique commentary on the laws of nations around the Mediterranean basin, while Melito’s An Oration of Meliton the Philosopher provides an apologetic for Christianity, and may be extracted from a larger work no longer extant. Ambrose of Alexandria’s Hypomnemata is also an apologetic, though it defends theology associated with Origen, who was deemed a heretic. It may also be an extract from a larger apologetic work. The last and most mysterious text comes from Mara Ben Serapion. It is an epistle that discusses both religious belief and first-century events. Though likely written by a pagan philosopher, it provides key historical insights, was possibly composed in the last quarter of the first century, and may a...
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