Books VI-X of Livy's monumental work trace Rome's fortune's from its near collapse after defeat by the Gauls in 386 BC to its emergence, in a matter of decades, as the premier power in Italy, having conquered the city-state of Samnium in 293 B.C. In this fascinating history, events are described not simply in terms of partisan politics, but through colorful portraits that bring the strength, weaknesses and motives of leading figures such as noble statesman Camillus and the corrupt Manlius vividly to life.
