Discourses on Livy · Character

Furius Camillus

The Roman general who saved the city from the Gauls and then urged the senate to settle Latium with either total mercy or total destruction—never half-measures.

supporting

Also known as Camillus

First appearance: Chapter I: The Necessity of Renewal in Republics and Sects

As a supporting figure in Discourses on Livy, Furius Camillus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Camillus is referenced as a model of virtuous leadership and military skill, whose exile and recall highlight the ingratitude of republics.

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Camillus is Machiavelli's model of the prudent captain who secures both the city's walls and its discipline, enrolling a third army to defend Rome rather than trusting an armed multitude. His speech on the Latins—offering clemency or annihilation, nothing in between—illustrates the Roman genius for decisive policy that Machiavelli contrasts bitterly with Florence's dithering. He matters because he shows that greatness in a republic requires both military foresight and the political courage to choose.

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Character Web

11 connections

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Historical and Political Examples
Protagonist
Founders and Tyrants

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the Claudian censor, driven by the family’s ingrained haughti…

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In the story

Furius Camillus appears across 19 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Discourses on Livy
Camillus is referenced as a model of virtuous leadership and military skill, whose exile and recall highlight the ingratitude of republics.
Chapter VIII
Hero who rescued Rome from the Gauls; his glory provoked Manlius Capitolinus's jealousy.
XII
Approved and confirmed the faith of the soldiers regarding the omen at Veii.
XIII
Named dictator during the siege of Veii, leading to its capture.
Chapter XXIX: Whether a people or a prince is the more ungrateful
Banished for wrongs against the commons but later recalled and honored as a prince.
LV
His vow of a tenth of the Veientine spoil to Apollo is cited as an example of the senate's trust in the people's honesty.
Book II
Roman general and dictator, key figure in the recovery after the Gallic sack.
XXIII
Delivers the decisive speech to the Senate on how to treat the conquered Latins, advocating either destruction or incorporation.
XXIX
Banned to Ardea by Fortune so that he could later rescue Rome; his absence contributed to the disaster.
On the Strength of Arms vs. Gold
Arrives with his army just as the Romans are weighing out gold to ransom themselves from the Gauls, preventing the ignominy of being a ransomed people.
XXXII
Implied in the reference to the siege of Veii, which was reduced by mining.
Chapter I: The Necessity of Renewal in Republics and Sects
His worth and excellence were recognized after the Gallic sack, leading to his reinstatement as leader.
VIII
Mentioned as the object of Manlius's jealousy; his honors provoked Manlius's desire for power.
XII
At the capture of Veii, he ordered his men to spare the unarmed, making the surrender easier and avoiding driving the defenders to desperation.
How one humane act availed more with the men of Falerii, than all the might of the Roman arms
Roman commander who refused the treacherous offer of the schoolmaster, instead returning the boys and humiliating the master, thereby winning Falerii through humanity.
XXII
Mentioned in connection with the jealousy that severity can provoke when combined with other virtues, leading to his banishment.
Why Camillus was banished from Rome
His virtues and faults are analyzed; his sternness, pride, and actions regarding Veientine plunder led to his banishment.
On Envy, Authority, and the Defense of a City
Tribune with consular authority who assumes sole direction of affairs, organizes three armies for defense, and exemplifies how a great man extinguishes envy through proven ability and public service.
XXXI
Exemplifies the constant spirit of a great man, declaring his courage came not with his dictatorship nor went with his exile; he encourages his soldiers before battle by reminding them to do as they have learned and been accustomed.

Chapter companion notes

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See Furius Camillus in Chapter I: The Necessity of Renewal in Republics and Sects

See Furius Camillus in Discourses on Livy