Abstract:
This thesis examines Livy’s opinion of Roman appropriation of spoils of war.
Livy did not portray all Roman appropriations of spoils from defeated enemies
in the same way, particularly when the spoils included foreign religious art such
as cult statues. Livy’s description of Camillus’ spoils from Veii in 396 BC
portrayed the import of the cult statue of Juno Regina in a positive way. By
contrast Livy criticised Marcellus for not distinguishing between sacred and
secular buildings when taking spoils from Syracuse in 212 BC. This thesis
investigates whether cultural beliefs influenced Livy’s opinion by analysing and
comparing three case studies: Camillus’ spoils from Veii taken in 396 BC, the
sack of Volsinii of 264 BC and the annexation of Syracuse by Marcellus in 212
BC. Despite the lacuna in Livy’s text about the capture of Volsinii of 264 BC
inferences can be drawn from archaeological evidence.
Livy displayed knowledge about the Roman concept of Just War which
according to Cicero justified the taking of spoils from a defeated enemy.
Nevertheless Livy’s interpretations from the case studies examined differed
from the opinions expressed by other ancient authors. In conclusion, Livy’s
narrative provides a window into the historian’s personal beliefs.
