Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius, Book 2


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In "Discourses on the First Decade of Titus Livius", posthumous work by the author of The Prince, Machiavelli discusses the useful lessons that could be learnt from the past for the present. As the title mentions, the subject of the work is the first ten books of Livy's Ab urbe condita, which cover the expansion of Rome from the legendary monarchy of Romulus to the end of the Third Samnite War (293 BCE). The whole work contains three books, with 142 numbered chapters - perhaps not a coincidence, since Livy's history also contained 142 books. In the second book, the author discusses decisions made by the Roman people pertaining to the increase of its empire. - Summary by Leni (4 hr 39 min)

Chapters

Preface 8:35 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER I. Whether the Empire acquired by the Romans was more due to Valour or … 8:50 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER II. With what Nations the Romans had to contend, and how stubborn these… 14:51 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER III. That Rome became great by destroying the Cities which lay round ab… 4:29 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER IV. That Commonwealths have followed three Methods for extending their … 11:39 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER V. That changes in Sects and Tongues, and the happening of Floods and P… 6:18 Read by jenno
CHAPTER VI. Of the Methods followed by the Romans in making War. 6:28 Read by jenno
CHAPTER VII. Of the Quantity of Land assigned by the Romans to each Colonist. 2:18 Read by jenno
CHAPTER VIII. Why certain Nations leave their ancestral Seats and overflow the … 10:20 Read by jenno
CHAPTER IX. Of the Causes which commonly give rise to Wars between States. 4:46 Read by jenno
CHAPTER X. That contrary to the vulgar opinion, Money is not the Sinews of War. 9:58 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XI. That it were unwise to ally yourself a Prince who has Reputation ra… 3:00 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER XII. Whether when Invasion is imminent it is better to anticipate or to… 10:06 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER XIII. That Men rise from humble to high Fortunes rather by Fraud than b… 4:57 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER XIV. That Men often err in thinking they can subdue Pride by Humility. 3:39 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER XV. That weak States are always dubious in their Resolves; and that tar… 7:13 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER XVI. That the Soldiers of our days depart widely from the methods of an… 10:33 Read by TerribleTy27
CHAPTER XVII. What importance the Armies of the present day should allow to Art… 13:18 Read by George Allen
CHAPTER XVIII. That the authority of the Romans and the example of ancient Warf… 12:57 Read by Rita Boutros
CHAPTER XIX. That Acquisitions made by ill-governed States and such as follow n… 11:54 Read by Rita Boutros
CHAPTER XX. Of the Dangers incurred by Princes or Republics who resort to Auxil… 5:49 Read by Rita Boutros
CHAPTER XXI. That Capua was the first City to which the Romans sent a Prætor; n… 5:44 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER XXII. That in matters of moment Men often judge amiss. 6:47 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER XXIII. That in chastising their Subjects when circumstances required it… 9:58 Read by merendo07
CHAPTER XXIV. That, commonly, Fortresses do much more Harm than Good 21:17 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XXV. That he who attacks a City divided against itself, must not think … 5:03 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XXVI. That Taunts and Abuse breed Hatred against him who uses them, wit… 5:22 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XXVII.That prudent Princes and Republics should be content to have obta… 8:52 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XXVIII. That to neglect the redress of Grievances, whether public or pr… 5:19 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XXIX. That Fortune obscures the minds of Men when she would not have th… 8:14 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XXX. That really powerful Princes and, Commonwealths do not buy Friends… 10:50 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XXXI. Of the Danger of trusting banished Men. 4:21 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XXXII. In how many Ways the Romans gained Possession of Towns. 10:10 Read by jenno
CHAPTER XXXIII. That the Romans intrusted the Captains of their Armies with the… 5:23 Read by jenno