Religion in Livy

Description

This book examines the use that Livy made of religious topics, and shows how this fits in with other aspects of his narrative. The author shows how 'Livy's views of religion' depend less on personal belief than on the refinement of his narrative technique. He looks at the history decade by decade, and demonstrates that there are radical differences between different sections: in some Livy uses large-scale religious themes, but in others he deliberately avoids them. By a systematic analysis of Livy's narrative patterns and comparison with other ancient versions, it is proved that this is not simply due to subject-matter, but reflects a development in Livy's handling of his material. This profound difference between decades throws doubt on much of the standard picture of Livy: it also points to a need to revise notions of 'Augustan religious ideology'. RELIGION IN LIVY CONTENTS Preface Abbreviations I. Introduction 1. The Background The Supernatural Piety Scepticism Fate and Fortune 2. Livy's Attitude to the Supernatural Evidence for Livy's Scepticism Evidence for Livy's Belief Fate and Fortune 3. Methods of Approach II. The Third Decade Conclusion III. The Fourth Decade Conclusion IV. The Fifth Decade Conclusion V. The Early Books 1. Book 1 Antenor, Aeneas and Alba Longa Romulus Numa Tullus Hostilius Ancus Marcius The Tarquins Conclusion 2. Book 2 3. Book 3 4. Book 4 5. Conclusion VI. Book Five Conclusion VII. The Second Pentad 1. Book 6 2. Book 7 3. Book 8 4. Book 9 5. Book 10 6. Conclusion VIII. Conclusion Bibliography Index SUPPLEMENTS TO MNEMOSYNE