Compare And Contrast Livy And Tacitus

Livy and Tacitus were very similar about their writing styles. Livy used the history of Rome to write one of many books called the History of Rome. Tacitus used his knowledge about Rome to write many books about the history of Rome. The comparison of Livy and Tacitus in history, through their writing and positions held on the government of the time period.
Titus Livius Patavinus or better known as Livy was born in 64 AD in northern Italy now known as Padua, this is where he lived until his late teens. During about 40 AD Livy decided to use the fight of the control over Rome to help write his book. Three men, one being Asinius Pollio, were fighting for control but they were not successful. Since he watched the fight for control he decided that the high education was the way to go to

help him become a better writer.
Livy wanted to be well-known and he would have done whatever it took at the time to do so. He was very familiar with the emperor Augustus or also known as Octavian. Octavian was also one of the three men fighting for the control of Rome back in the 40s so that pushed Livy to write the History of Rome.
When Titus Livius Patavinus, known as Livy, was living in the Republic of Roman from 59 BC to AD 17 he was known for his work of literature called, Ab Urbe Condita, in Latin but in English, The History of Rome.

This was the story of the triumphs over Rome. This quote shows that, “To begin with, it is generally admitted that after the capture of Troy, whilst the rest of the Trojans were massacred, against two of them - Aeneas and Antenor - the Achivi refused to exercise the rights of war, partly owing to old ties of hospitality, and partly because these men had always been in favour of making peace and surrendering Helen.” (Livy, 1) This book later became famous not only for it being well written but it explained the Roman History in great detail. During Livy’s life he made writing his life passion, he worked on his works from middle age to his mid to late 30’s. He tried to use his writing as a way to contact his son, not only through letter but also through dialogues and through the role of Cicero. However it is unsaid whatever happened between his son and him he later died in AD 17 in his beloved city of Patavium. His death took place three years after the death of

Augustus.
In The History of Rome, is the series that was written to go into detail about how Rome was founded. Book one is the one written about the legends that formed the early years of Rome If Livy has chosen to not construct many books about the history of Rome then it is unlikely we would have such detail because Livy really loved his country. Once it was established in book one that Romulus and Remus were taking over Rome Livy said,
It so happened that Numitor also, who had Remus in his custody, on hearing that he and his brother were twins and comparing their ages and the character and bearing so unlike that of one in a servile condition, began to recall the memory of his grandchildren, and further inquiries brought him to the same conclusion as Faustulus; nothing was wanting to the recognition of Remus. So the king Amulius was being enmeshed on all sides by hostile purposes. Romulus shrunk from a direct attack with his body of shepherds, for he was no match for the king in open fight. They were instructed to approach the palace by different routes and meet there at a given time, whilst from Numitor's house Remus lent his assistance with a second band he had collected. The attack succeeded and the king was killed. (Livy, section 1.5)

This quote was unable to be found in Latin because the Latin version and the translated version were unable to be matched up line for line. But this quote was pulled from the first book, talking about how Numitor took Remus to compare him to Romulus since they were twins but Faustulus and King Amulius were impotent to determine the purpose.
Publis Cornelius Tacitus was born 56 AD to an equestrian family; this signified that he was born into a wealthy family. The place of his birth is still unknown to the public but he grew up in Gallia Norbonesis. From his seat in the Senate he became part of the consul in 97 AD during the reign of Nerva.
In the following years he wrote and published the Agricola and Germania, declaring these literary accomplishments that would occupy him until his death. Afterwards he disappeared from public life, but returned during Trajan's reign. In 100 AD, he and his friend Pliny the Younger, prosecuted Marius Priscus for corruption. Priscus was put on trial, found guilty, and sent into exile; Pliny wrote a few days later that Tacitus had spoken "with all the majesty which characterizes his usual style of oratory".
Upon examination of both Livy and Tacitus’s works of literature, they both had different representations of the world for the time period. They both loved history, Rome and Roman values. It is said they used these things to complete their writings about Rome. Between both Livy and Tacitus the history of Rome was recorded.
In examining the histories presented by Livy and Tacitus, it is crucial to take into account the agendas of the respective authors. While both set out to portray as accurate of a historical representation as possible, it is evident that both renowned historians and rhetoricians intended to deliver several significant messages regarding their thoughts on Rome. Both authors do, indeed, acknowledge the greatness of Rome and champion the core of Roman values; however, Livy and Tacitus tactfully elaborate on different troubles that face the Roman Empire. The histories put forth by these great men aim to present the past as an aid to promote the betterment Rome as a Republic and to prevent the fall of the Roman Empire.
Although Livy and Tacitus differ in several ways in their perceptions of Rome, they do share several common thoughts on core Roman values and the superiority of their motherland. Both historians avidly support the values of patriotism, piety, duty, self sacrifice, responsibility, and discipline, which are all at the heart of the Roman identity.
In his preface, Livy says, "I hope my passion for Rome's past has not impaired my judgment; for I do honestly believe that no country has ever been greater or purer than ours or richer in good citizens or noble deeds." (Livy,1) Even though Livy critiques Roman society in various ways, he does not deny that Rome is supreme in his eyes.
Tacitus also indicates his support for the "Roman Way" by presenting elements that represent basic Roman principles in a positive light. These elements include Tacitus' description of his father-in-law, Agricula, who serves as an archetypical patriot with an extreme sense of duty to ones country. Similarly, Tacitus also portrays the Germans as "Noble Savages" because of their strong allegiance and loyalty. Both Tacitus and Livy maintain that sticking to these core Roman values. They both stick to the core values of Rome