The Rape Of Lucretia

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Titus Livius (Livy) was a Roman historian that was born in the year 59 B.C.E. and died in 17 A.D. (Ogilvie). During that time Rome was starting to become a world power. Julius Caesar was the dictator and, under his rule, the Roman republic expanded tremendously. Not only did Julius Caesar successfully take over Italy, but he also conquered major threats to the republic at the time, such as Spain and Gaul (Roman-Empire). Following his assassination in 44 B.C.E., the rule was passed to his great-nephew Augustus, who broadened Rome 's reach even further into places such as Egypt and parts of Europe (PBS). However, these and other Roman achievements would have possibly been forgotten had it not been for Livy. Titus Livius played a critical role …show more content…

For example, there is the story of The Rape of Lucretia. In essence, it is a story about a man who was the son of the king of Rome at the time, Sextus Tarquinius, raping the wife of Collatinus Tarquinius, Lucretia (Novaroma). In the text, it states how Sextus had gone to the house of Conlatinus and returned several days later in order to rape Lucretia "He was well received and given the hospitality of the house, and maddened with love, he waited until he was sure everyone else was asleep. Then he took up his sword and went to Lucretia 's bedroom, and placing his sword against her left breast, he said, "Quiet, Lucretia; I am Sextus Tarquinius, and I have a sword in my hand. If you speak, you will die." Awakening from sleep, the poor woman realized that she was without help and very close to death." [LVIII] (Halsall). After Lucretia 's father arrived with Publius Valerius (Volesus ' son) at her request, she explained to them in detail what had happened to her. "How are you?" her husband asked. "Very bad," she replied, "how can anything go well for a woman who has lost her honor?...It was Sextus Tarquinius who returned our hospitality with enmity last …show more content…

The Roman army became much stronger under the guidance of Julius Caesar and was a key element in the expansion of Rome (Roman-Empire). The Roman people believed that it was necessary to follow a specific method of declaring war so as not to anger the gods, "It was highly needful to observe all the necessary formalities in beginning hostilities, otherwise the angry gods would turn their favor to the enemy" (Halsall). For example, if their demands were not met after thirty days, then they could declare war, "If the persons he demands are not surrendered after thirty days, he declares war," (Halsall). This set the precedent for how Rome would declare war for centuries to come.
The importance of Livy and his writings is undeniable. There were many historians that came before him, but none came close to being as specific and detailed as he was. His writings gave the Roman people more knowledge about their past and even influenced prince Claudius to become an author as well (Lendering). His writings also set a certain standard for the Roman people. For example, in his story of Lucretia, he is implying that women should value everything over themselves in the name of honor. To this day, it serves as a detailed account of Roman history and the standards/values they

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