Discourses on Livy · Chapter
Book II explained
Machiavelli discusses the growth of the Roman empire, the methods used by the Romans to expand, and the importance of liberty and popular government.
What happens
Machiavelli discusses the growth of the Roman empire, the methods used by the Romans to expand, and the importance of liberty and popular government. He contrasts the Roman approach with other republics and examines the role of fortune and virtue in the rise and fall of states.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the Claudian censor, driven by the family’s ingrained haughti…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Republican Liberty and Popular Government
Machiavelli argues that republics are more effective at expansion than principalities because they harness the energy and ambition of the people.
- Virtù and Fortune
The chapter explores how Roman success was due to both their virtù (skill, discipline) and favorable fortune, and how fortune can be controlled by wise institutions.
Characters to notice
- Titus Livius
Primary historical source for Roman expansion and internal conflicts.
- Romulus
Founder of Rome, exemplar of virtuous leadership and expansion.
- Numa
Second king of Rome, credited with establishing religious institutions.
- Furius Camillus
Roman general and dictator, key figure in the recovery after the Gallic sack.
Key passages
“Those who read what the beginning of the city of Rome was, and what her laws and ordinances were, will not think it strange that so much virtue should have been maintained in that city for so many centuries.”
Readers familiar with Rome's founding and its early laws will understand why the city sustained such excellence for centuries.
Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of founding institutions and laws for long-term success.
“A republic ought to have more life, more hatred, and more desire for revenge than a prince.”
A republic is more vigorous, more resentful, and more eager for vengeance than a monarchy.
Machiavelli contrasts the energy of republics with the caution of princes.
