The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36

What it is

This is an English translation, by Cyrus Edmonds, of books 27 to 36 of the Roman historian Livy's History of Rome. Livy wrote centuries after the events, drawing on earlier Roman sources, and this section covers the final years of the war against Hannibal, ending with his defeat.

Why it matters

Livy's account is one of the main ancient sources historians use to reconstruct Hannibal's campaigns and his defeat by Roman generals such as Scipio. It shows how Romans remembered and told the story of their long struggle with Carthage.

Look closer

• Why might a Roman writer's account of Hannibal differ from how Carthaginians might have told the same story?
• What details does Livy choose to include about battles and leaders?
• How does writing long after the events affect what Livy could know for certain?