# Titus Livius — Discourses on Livy character guide > Titus Livius in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Livius **First appearance:** 0001-discourses-on-livy ## Snapshot Rome's great historian, whose chronicle of the Republic becomes the mirror in which Machiavelli studies how cities rise, endure, and decay. ## Who they are Livius is the source Machiavelli reads with a statesman's eye, mining Roman history for lessons on law, war, and liberty. He is not a neutral chronicler but a moralist whose judgments about virtue, fortune, and corruption Machiavelli both honors and argues with. His account of figures like Manlius Torquatus and Scipio supplies the raw material for the Discourses' central claim: that republics thrive when citizens earn reputation through extraordinary public acts. ## Relationships ### [Valerius Corvinus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/valerius_corvinus) _professional_ Titus Livius (Livy) is the historian who records the deeds of Valerius Corvinus, a Roman general and consul, as a subject of his historical narrative. ### [Marcus Menenius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/marcus_menenius) _professional_ Marcus Menenius is a historical figure recorded by Titus Livius (Livy), who narrates his role in the secession of the plebs. ### [Marcus Menenius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/marcus_menenius) _professional_ Marcus Menenius is a historical figure recorded by Titus Livius (Livy), who narrates his role in the secession of the plebs. ### [Valerius Corvinus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/valerius_corvinus) _professional_ Titus Livius (Livy) is the historian who records the deeds of Valerius Corvinus, a Roman general and consul, as a subject of his historical narrative. ## In the story ### [Discourses on Livy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/discourses-on-livy) Livy's history provides the foundation for Machiavelli's analysis of Roman politics and military affairs. ### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/book-i) Roman historian whose work 'Decades' provides the historical material for Machiavelli's political analysis. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/i) Historian whose work on Rome is the basis for Machiavelli's Discourses. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/iv) Livy is the primary source for the Roman history Machiavelli discusses, though not directly named in this chapter. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/vii) Cited as the source for the story of Coriolanus and for the example of Aruns and the Gauls. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xii) Cited as the source for the story of Roman soldiers in the temple of Juno at Veii, showing religious awe. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xiii) Cited as the source for examples of Roman use of religion. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xv) Cited as the source for the Samnite defeat and their religious ritual. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxv) Source for the Roman examples of consular lictors and the Rex sacrificulus. ### [Chapter XXVIII: Whence it came that the Romans were less ungrateful to their citizens than were the Athenians.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxviii) Referenced as the source of Roman history. ### [How Princes and Commonwealths May Avoid the Vice of Ingratitude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxx) Livy is the source for Roman examples of military conduct and the avoidance of ingratitude. ### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxii) Source of the Roman historical example regarding Porsenna and the Tarquins. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxvi) Livy is the source for the account of the battle and the death of Q. Fabius. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxvii) Cited for his remark about the colony of Antium, noting that few Romans were willing to leave the city for the land distribution. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxix) Livy is the source for the Roman historical example of the tribune Terentillus and the conflict over consular power. ### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xliv) Quoted regarding the commons' inability to reply without a leader. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlvi) Cited for his judicious account of the tumults in Rome after the commons regained freedom, and for the observation that when one faction is humble the other grows haughty. ### [XLVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlvii) Quoted for his observation on the Roman people's judgment in elections. ### [XLVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlviii) Source for the historical account of the Senate's tactics regarding the election of tribunes with consular powers. ### [LI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/li) Source of the historical account of the Roman senate's decision on soldier pay. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/lii) Implied as the source for the Roman historical examples discussed in the chapter. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/lvi) Cited for the story of Marcus Ceditius and the warning of the Gauls. ### [Chapter LVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/lvii) Quoted for his observation on the collective boldness and individual submission of the people. ### [LVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/lviii) Cited as the historian who affirms the fickleness of the multitude, but Machiavelli challenges his view. ### [Book II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/book-ii) Primary historical source for Roman expansion and internal conflicts. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/i) Cited as an author who often links Roman speeches to fortune, though Machiavelli disputes this view. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/ii) Cited as the source for the Samnites' decline and their plea to Hannibal. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/iii) Quoted for the phrase 'Crescit interea Roma Albae ruinis' ### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/iv) Cited as a witness to the Etolians' practice of hiring out soldiers to both sides in a conflict. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/v) Referenced indirectly as the source of the Etruria example, though not named in this chapter. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/vii) Cited as the source for the land allotment at Veii. ### [Why certain nations leave their ancestral seats and overflow the countries of others.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/viii) Cited as the source for the causes of the Gallic invasion of Italy. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/ix) The historian whose account of the Romans and Samnites provides the basis for the chapter's discussion of accidental war. ### [Chapter X: The True Sinews of War](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/x) Cited as a witness to the truth that good soldiers, not money, are essential to war, referencing his discussion on Alexander the Great's hypothetical invasion of Italy. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xi) Quoted for his phrase about the Campanians lending their name rather than aid. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xiii) Quoted for the speech of Annius Setinus, revealing the Latins' awareness of Roman deception. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xiv) Cited as the historian who supplies the proof of the argument. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xvi) Cited as the source for the account of the battle between the Romans and Latins, and for the description of Roman military organization. ### [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xix) Quoted on the corrupting influence of Capua on Roman military discipline. ### [Of the dangers incurred by princes or republics who resort to auxiliary or mercenary arms](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xx) Cited as the source of the example of Roman legions sent to Capua. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxi) Cited for his observation that Roman laws began to exert influence alongside arms. ### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxiii) Cited as the source of Camillus's speech and the account of the Latin and Privernum episodes. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxix) Cited as the historian who describes Fortune's role in obscuring men's minds during the Gallic crisis. ### [On the Strength of Arms vs. Gold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxx) Cited as the historian who notes that Fortune contrived Camillus's arrival so that Romans would not be remembered as ransomed. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxi) Cited as the historian who recorded the story of Alexander of Epirus, though for a different purpose. ### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxiii) Historian whose work is the source for Machiavelli's analysis of Roman military command. ### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/book-iii) Primary historical source for Roman examples throughout the book. ### [Chapter I: The Necessity of Renewal in Republics and Sects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/i) Referenced as the source for Roman history, particularly the events after the Gallic sack. ### [Chapter II: That on occasion it is wise to feign folly](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/ii) Mentioned as the historian who recorded Brutus's feigned folly, attributing it to a desire for security and preservation of his patrimony. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/viii) Quoted for his remark on Manlius: 'Such was the fate of a man worthy our admiration had he not been born in a free state.' ### [That a captain cannot escape battle when his enemy forces it on him at all risks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/x) Referenced as the source for the story of Cneius Sulpitius and the Gauls, and for the reasons why delay can be useful. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xii) Quoted as the source for the phrase that necessity is 'the last and mightiest weapon' in the context of the Volscian battle. ### [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xiii) Cited as the source for the view that Roman power was due more to the valour of her captains than of her soldiers. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xv) Cited as the source of the Roman example and the maxim about the harm of many leaders. ### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxii) Cited as the historian who describes the characters and deeds of both Manlius and Valerius. ### [Why Camillus was banished from Rome](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxiii) Quoted as the source describing Camillus's virtues being both hated and admired by his soldiers. ### [Of the poverty of Cincinnatus and of many other Roman citizens](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxv) Cited as the source of the noble story of Cincinnatus, emphasizing the contrast between poverty and true glory. ### [How women are a cause of the ruin of states](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxvi) Historian whose account of the Ardea feud is referenced. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxix) Cited as the historian who recounts the story of Timasitheus and the Lipari corsairs. ### [On Envy, Authority, and the Defense of a City](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxx) Historian whose account of Camillus's actions is cited, particularly the remark that colleagues did not account anything taken from their own dignity which was added to his. ### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxi) The historian whose account of Camillus and Rome is the basis for Machiavelli's reflections. ### [Chapter XXXIII: That to insure victory in battle you must inspire your men with confidence in one another and in you](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxiii) Quoted as the source for Appius Claudius's speech and the account of the Manlii and Fabius. ### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxvi) Cited as the historian who observes that the Gauls are more than men at the start of a fray but less than women at the end. ### [XXXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxvii) Cited as the source for the combat between Titus Manlius and the Gaul, and for Valerius Corvinus's actions against the Samnites. ### [Of the qualities of a captain in whom his soldiers can confide](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxviii) Historian whose account of Valerius Corvinus's speech is cited to illustrate the ideal captain. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxxix) Livius is cited as the source for the account of Decius's actions and the importance of terrain knowledge. ### [XLVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xlvi) Cited as the source for the characteristics of Roman families and the story of the Claudius censor. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/titus_livius - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters