The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

12582

Title

The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36 by Titus Livius is a historical account of the Roman Empire's expansion and conflicts with Carthage. The book covers the period from 211 to 167 BCE, including the Second Punic War. It describes battles, politics, and diplomacy between Rome and its enemies.

Summary up to 500 words

The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36 by Titus Livius is a historical account of the Roman Empire's expansion and conflicts with Carthage. The book covers the period from 211 to 167 BCE, including the Second Punic War. It describes battles, politics, and diplomacy between Rome and its enemies. The narrative focuses on key figures such as Hannibal, Scipio, and Fabius Maximus, who played crucial roles in shaping the outcome of the war. Livius' account provides a detailed and engaging portrayal of ancient Roman society, military tactics, and international relations. The book is notable for its historical significance, literary quality, and enduring interest. In Book 27, Cneius Fulvius, proconsul, was defeated by Hannibal and slain, while the consul Claudius Marcellus engaged him with better success. Hannibal retreated, but Marcellus pursued and forced him to an engagement. They fought twice, with Hannibal gaining the advantage in the first battle and Marcellus in the second. Tarentum was betrayed to Fabius Maximus, the consul, while Scipio engaged with Hasdrubal, the son of Hamilcar, at Baetula, in Spain, and defeated him. In Book 28, Marcellus and Quintus Crispinus, consuls, were drawn into an ambuscade by Hannibal; Marcellus was slain, while Crispinus escaped. Operations were conducted by Publius Sulpicius, praetor, against Philip and the Achaeans. A census was held, revealing a significant loss of citizens due to unsuccessful battles. Hasdrubal, who had crossed the Alps with a reinforcement for Hannibal, was defeated by the consuls Marcus Livius and Claudius Nero and slain, along with 56,000 men. In Book 29, Scipio marched against the enemy in Spain, while Indibilis and Mandonius deserted Hasdrubal and withdrew to the Romans. The Roman army, led by Scipio, defeated Hasdrubal at Baecula, killing over 8,000 men. The consuls, Marcus Livius and Claudius Nero, were appointed to lead the war against Hannibal in Italy. They made the levy with greater diligence and strictness than any previous year, as the war was now doubly formidable due to the advance of a new enemy into Italy. The consuls drew attention to two wars at once, while recalling the disasters that Hannibal's first coming had brought upon Italy. They were anxious about what deities would be propitious to the city and empire, as they sought victory in both quarters at once.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12582.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg12582.epub

Removed after upload

Downloaded at

2026-07-08 11:01 UTC

Categories

• Classics
• History