Titus Livius (Livy), Ab urbe condita, Benjamin Oliver Foster, Ph.D. (Editor), Frank Gardener Moore (Editor), Evan T. Sage, Ph.D. (Editor), Alfred C. Schlesinger, Ph.D. (Editor), 8.9

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[2] The Roman consuls before leading their troops into battle offered sacrifices. it is said that the soothsayer pointed out to Decius that the head of the liver was wounded on the friendly side; but that the victim was in all other respects acceptable to the gods, ¹ and that the sacrifice of Manlius had been greatly successful.

it is well enough,

said Decius,

if my colleague has received favourable tokens.

in the formation already described they advanced into the field. Manlius commanded the right wing, Decius the left.

[3] in the beginning the strength of the combatants and their ardour were equal on both sides; but after a time the Roman hastati on the left, unable to withstand the pressure ² of the Latins, fell back upon the principes.

[4] in the confusion of this movement Decius the consul called out to Marcus Valerius in a loud voice:

we have need of Heaven's help, Marcus Valerius. ³ come therefore, state pontiff of the Roman People, dictate the words, that I may devote myself to save the legions.

[5] The pontiff bade him don the purple —bordered toga, and with veiled head and one hand thrust out from the toga and touching his chin, stand upon a spear that was laid under his feet, and say as follows:

[6]

janus , Jupiter, Father Mars, Quirinus, Bellona, Lares, divine Novensiles, divine Indigites, ⁴ ye gods in whose power are both we and our enemies, and you, divine Manes, —I

[7]

invoke and worship you, I beseech and crave your favour, that you prosper the might and the victory of the Roman People of the Quirites, and visit the foes of the Roman People of the Quirites with fear, shuddering, and death.

[8]

as I have pronounced the words, even so in behalf of the republic of the Roman People of the Quirites, and of the army, the legions, the auxiliaries of the Roman People of the Quirites, do I devote the legions and auxiliaries of the enemy, together with myself, to the divine Manes and to Earth.

[9] having uttered this prayer he bade the lictors go to Titus Manlius and lose no time in announcing to his colleague that he had devoted himself for the good of the army.

[10] he then girded himself with the Gabinian cincture, ⁵ and vaulting, armed, upon his horse, plunged into the thick of the enemy, a ⁶ conspicuous object from either army and of an aspect more august than a man's, as though sent from heaven to expiate all anger of the gods, and to tum aside destruction from his people and bring it on their adversaries.

[11] thus every terror and dread attended him, and throwing the Latin front into disarray, spread afterwards throughout their entire host.

[12] this was most clearly seen in that, wherever he rode, men cowered as though blasted by some baleful star; but when he fell beneath a rain of missiles, from that instant there was no more doubt of the consternation of the Latin cohorts, which everywhere abandoned the field in flight.

[13] at the same time the Romans —their spirits relieved of religious fears —pressed on as though the signal had just then for the first time been given, and delivered a fresh attack;

[14] for the rorarii were running out between the antepilani and were joining their strength to that of the hastati and the principles, and the triarii, kneeling on the right knee, were waiting till the consul signed to them to rise.

Ab urbe condita. Titus Livius (Livy). Benjamin Oliver Foster, Ph.D. (Editor), Frank Gardener Moore (Editor), Evan T. Sage, Ph.D. (Editor), Alfred C. Schlesinger, Ph.D. (Editor). Medford, MA. .

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The National Endowment for the Humanities.

Current edition Perseus

History of Rome (English) (Foster, Benjamin Oliver; Moore, Frank Gardener; Sage, Evan T.; Schlesinger, Alfred C., translators. Cambridge, Mass.; London: Harvard University Press; William Heinemann, Ltd., 1919-1959. (Loeb Classical Library))

Editions (3)

Ab urbe condita Perseus (Pars I-IV, Libri I-XL. Editio Stereotypica. Weissenborn, Wilhelm; Mueller, Moritz, editors. Leipzig: Teubner, 1884-1911.) — 8.9 focus

[1] Romani consules, priusquam educerent in aciem, immolaverunt. Decio caput iocineris a familiari parte caesum haruspex dicitur ostendisse; alioqui acceptam dis hostiam esse; Manlium egregie litasse. “atqui bene habet” inquit Decius, “si ab collega litatum est.”

[2] instructis, sicut ante dictum est, ordinibus processere in aciem. Manlius dextro, Decius laevo cornu praeerat. primo utrimque aequis viribus,

[3] eodem ardore animorum gerebatur res; deinde ab laevo cornu hastati Romani, non ferentes inpressionem Latinorum, se ad principes recepere.

[4] in hac trepidatione Decius consul M. Valerium magna voce inclamat: “deorum” inquit “ope, M. Valeri, opus est; agedum, pontifex publicus populi Romani praei verba, quibus me pro legionibus devoveam.” Pontifex pontifex eum togam praetextam sumere iussit

[5] et velato capite, manu subter togam ad mentum exserta, super telum subiectum pedibus stantem sic dicere: “Iane,

[6] Iuppiter, Mars pater, Quirine, Bellona, Lares, divi Novensiles, di Indigetes, divi, quorum est potestas nostrorum hostiumque,

[7] dique Manes, vos precor, veneror, veniam peto oroque, uti populo Romano Quiritium vim victoriamque prosperetis hostesque populi Romani Quiritium terrore, formidine morteque adficiatis.

[8] sicut verbis nuncupavi, ita pro re publica Quiritium, exercitu, legionibus, auxiliis populi Romani Quiritium legiones auxiliaque hostium mecum deis Manibus Tellurique devoveo.”

[9] Haec haec ita precatus lictores ire ad T. Manlium iubet matureque collegae se devotum pro exercitu nuntiare. ipse incinctus cinctu Gabino, armatus in equum insilivit ac se in medios hostes inmisit, conspectus ab utraque acie.

[10] aliquanto augustior humano visus, sicut caelo missus piaculum omnis deorum irae, qui pestem ab suis aversam in hostes ferret;

[11] ita omnis terror pavorque cum illo latus signa prima Latinorum turbavit, deinde in totam penitus aciem pervasit.

[12] evidentissimum id fuit, quod, quacumque equo invectus est, ibi baud haud secus quam pestifero sidere icti pavebant; ubi vero corruit obrutus telis, inde iam haud dubie consternatae cohortes Latinorum fugam ac vastitatem late fecerunt.

[13] simul et Romani exsolutis religione animis velut tum primum signo dato coorti pugnam integram ediderunt;

[14] nam et rorarii procurrebant inter antepilanos addiderantque vires hastatis ac principibus, et triarii genu dextro innixi nutum consulis ad consurgendum expectabant.

Ab urbe condita Perseus (Conway, Robert Seymour; Walters, Charles Flamstead; Johnson, Stephen Keymer, editors. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1914-1935. (Oxford Classical Texts)) — 8.9 focus

[1]

Romani consules, priusquam educerent in aciem, immolaverunt. Decio caput iocineris a familiari parte caesum haruspex dicitur ostendisse: alioqui acceptam dis hostiam esse; Manlium egregie litasse.

atqui bene habet

inquit Decius,

si ab collega litatum est.

[2] instructis , sicut ante dictum est, ordinibus processere in aciem. Manlius dextro, Decius laevo cornu praeerat.

[3] primo utrimque aequis viribus, eodem ardore animorum gerebatur res; deinde ab laevo cornu hastati Romani, non ferentes ¹ impressionem Latinorum, se ad principes recepere.

[4] in hac trepidatione Decius consul M. Valerium magna voce inclamat:

deorum

inquit

ope, M. ² Valeri, opus est; agedum, pontifex publicus populi Romani, praei verba quibus me pro legionibus devoveam.

[5] pontifex eum togam praetextam sumere iussit et velato capite, manu subter togam ad mentum meltum exserta, super telum subiectum pedibus stantem sic dicere:

[6]

iane lane Iuppiter Mars pater Quirine Bellona Lares Divi Novensiles Di Indigetes Divi quorum est potestas nostrorum hostiumque Dique Manes,

[7]

vos precor veneror veniam peto oroque ³ uti populo Romano Quiritium vim victoriam prosperetis, hostesque populi Romani Quiritium terrore formidine morteque adficiatis.

[8]

sicut verbis nuncupavi, ita pro re publica populi Romani ⁴ Quiritium, exercitu legionibus auxiliis populi Romani Quiritium, legiones auxiliaque hostium mecum Deis Manibus Tellurique devoveo.

[9] haec ita precatus lictores ire ad T. Manlium iubet matureque collegae se devotum pro exercitu nuntiare. ipse incinctus cinctu Gabino, armatus in equum insiluit ac se in medios hostes immisit, ⁵ conspectus ab utraque acie,

[10] aliquanto augustior humano visu, sicut caelo missus piaculum omnis deorum irae, qui pestem ab suis aversam in hostes ferret.

[11] ita omnis terror pavorque cum illo latus signa prima Latinorum turbavit, deinde in totam penitus aciem pervasit.

[12] evidentissimum id fuit, quod quacumque equo invectus est, ibi haud secus quam pestifero sidere icti pavebant; ubi vero corruit obrutus telis, inde iam haud dubie consternatae cohortes Latinorum fugam ac vastitatem late fecerunt.

[13] simul et Romani exsolutis religione animis velut tum primum signo dato coorti pugnam integram ediderunt;

[14] nam et rorarii procurrebant inter antepilanos addebantque ⁶ vires hastatis ac principibus, et triarii genu dextro innixi nutum consulis ad consurgendum exspectabant.

Ab urbe condita Perseus (Livy in Fourteen Volumes. Foster, Benjamin Oliver; Moore, Frank Gardener; Schlesinger, Alfred C., editors. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann, Ltd., 1919-1959 (printing).) — 8.9 focus

[1]

Romani consules, priusquam educerent in aciem, immolaverunt. Decio caput iocineris a familiari parte caesum haruspex dicitur ostendisse: alioqui acceptam dis hostiam esse; Manlium egregie litasse.

atqui bene habet

inquit Decius,

si ab collega litatum est.

[2] instructis , sicut ante dictum est, ordinibus processere in aciem. Manlius dextro, Decius laevo cornu praeerat.

[3] primo utrimque aequis viribus, eodem ardore animorum gerebatur res; deinde ab laevo cornu hastati Romani, non ferentes ¹ impressionem Latinorum, se ad principes recepere.

[4] in hac trepidatione Decius consul M. Valerium magna voce inclamat:

deorum

inquit

ope, M. ² Valeri, opus est; agedum, pontifex publicus populi Romani, praei verba quibus me pro legionibus devoveam.

[5] pontifex eum togam praetextam sumere iussit et velato capite, manu subter togam ad mentum meltum exserta, super telum subiectum pedibus stantem sic dicere:

[6]

iane lane Iuppiter Mars pater Quirine Bellona Lares Divi Novensiles Di Indigetes Divi quorum est potestas nostrorum hostiumque Dique Manes,

[7]

vos precor veneror veniam peto oroque ³ uti populo Romano Quiritium vim victoriam prosperetis, hostesque populi Romani Quiritium terrore formidine morteque adficiatis.

[8]

sicut verbis nuncupavi, ita pro re publica populi Romani ⁴ Quiritium, exercitu legionibus auxiliis populi Romani Quiritium, legiones auxiliaque hostium mecum Deis Manibus Tellurique devoveo.

[10] aliquanto augustior humano visu, sicut caelo missus piaculum omnis deorum irae, qui pestem ab suis aversam in hostes ferret.

[11] ita omnis terror pavorque cum illo latus signa prima Latinorum turbavit, deinde in totam penitus aciem pervasit.

[13] simul et Romani exsolutis religione animis velut tum primum signo dato coorti pugnam integram ediderunt;

[14] nam et rorarii procurrebant inter antepilanos addebantque ⁶ vires hastatis ac principibus, et triarii genu dextro innixi nutum consulis ad consurgendum exspectabant.

Translations (2)

History of Rome Perseus (Spillan, D.; Edmonds, Cyrus; McDevitte, William A., translators. London: Henry G. Bohn, 1849-1868. (Bohn's Classical Library)) — 8.9 focus

[1]

The Roman consuls, before they marched out their armies to the field, offered sacrifices. The aruspex is said to have shown to Decius the head of the liver wounded on the side relating to himself, in other respects the victim was ac- ceptable to the gods; whilst Manlius obtained highly favour- able omens from his sacrifice.

But all is well,

says Decius, if my colleague has offered an acceptable sacrifice."

[2] The ranks being drawn up in the order already described, they marched forth to battle. Manlius commanded the right, Decius the left wing.

[3] At first the action was conducted with equal strength on both sides, and with the same ardent courage. Afterwards the Roman spearmen on the left wing, not sus- taining the violent assault of the Latins, betook themselves to the principes.

[4] In this state of trepidation the consul Decius cries out with a loud voice to Marcus Valerius,

Valerius, we have need of the aid of the gods. Come, as public pontiff of the Roman people, dictate to me the words in which I may devote myself for the legions.

[5] The pontiff directed him to take the gown called praetexta, and with his head covered and his hand thrust out under the gown to the chin, standing upon a spear placed under his feet, to say these words:

[6]

Janus, Jupiter, father Mars, Quirinus, Bellona, ye Lares, ye gods Novensiles, ¹ ye gods Indigetes, ye divinities, under whose power we and our enemies are, and ye dii Manes,

[7]

I pray you, I adore you, I ask your favour, that you would prosperously grant strength and victory

[8]

to the Roman people, the Quirites; and that ye may affect the enemies of the Roman people, the Quirites, with terror, dismay, and death. In such manner as I have expressed in words, so do I devote the legions and auxiliaries of the enemy, together with myself,

[9]

to the dii Manes and to Earth for the republic of the Quirites, for the army, legions, auxiliaries of the Roman people, the Quirites.

Having uttered this prayer, he orders the lictors to go to Titus Manlius, and without delay to announce to his colleague that he had devoted himself

[10] for the army. He, girding himself in a Gabine cincture, and fully armed, mounted his horse, and rushed into the midst of the enemy. He was observed by both armies to present a more majestic appearance than human, as one sent from heaven as an expiation of all the wrath of the gods, to transfer to the enemy destruction turned away from his own side: accordingly,

[11] all the terror and panic being carried along with him, at first disturbed the battalions of the Latins, then completely pervaded their entire line. This

[12] was most evident, because, in whatever direction he was carried with his horse, there they became panic-stricken, as if struck by some pestilential constellation; but when he fell overwhelmed with darts, instantly the cohorts of the Latins, thrown into manifest consternation, took to flight, leaving a void to a considerable extent. At the same time also the Romans, their minds

[13] being freed from religious dread, exerting themselves as if the signal was then given for the first time, commenced to fight with renewed ardour. For the Rorarii also pushed forward among the

[14] antepilani, and added strength to the spearmen and principes, and the Triarii resting on the right knee awaited the consul's nod to rise up.

History of Rome Perseus (Volumes 1-2. Roberts, Canon, Rev, translator. London, New York: J. M. Dent and Sons; E. P. Dutton and Co., 1912.) — 8.9 focus

[1] The¹ battle took place near the base of Mount Vesuvius, where the road led to Veseris. Before leading out their armies to battle the consuls offered sacrifice. The haruspex, whose duty it was to inspect the different organs in the victims, pointed out to Decius a prophetic intimation of his death, in all other respects the signs were favourable. Manlius' sacrifice was entirely satisfactory.

[2] “It is well,” said Decius,“if my colleague has obtained favourable signs.”

[3] They moved forward to battle in the formation I have already described, Manlius in command of the right division, Decius of the left. At first both armies fought with equal strength and equal determination. After a time the Roman hastati on the left, unable to withstand the insistency of the Latins, retired behind the principes.

[4] During the temporary confusion created by this movement, Decius exclaimed in a loud voice to M. Valerius: “Valerius, we need the help of the gods! Let the Pontifex Maximus dictate to me the words in which I am to devote myself for the legions.”

[5] The Pontifex bade him veil his head in his toga praetexta, and rest his hand, covered with the toga, against his chin, then standing upon a spear to say these words:

[6] “Janus, Jupiter, Father Mars, Quirinus, Bellona, Lares, ye Novensiles and Indigetes, deities to whom belongs the power over us and over our foes, and ye, too, Divine Manes, I pray to you, I do you reverence,

[7] I crave your grace and favour that you will bless the Roman People, the Quirites, with power and victory, and visit the enemies of the Roman People, the Quirites, with fear and dread and death.

[8] In like manner as I have uttered this prayer so do I now on behalf of the commonwealth of the Quirites, on behalf of the army, the legions, the auxiliaries of the Roman People, the Quirites, devote the legions and auxiliaries of the enemy, together with myself to the Divine Manes and to Earth.”

[9] After this prayer he ordered the lictors to go to T. Manlius and at once announce to his colleague that he had devoted himself on behalf of the army.

[10] He then girded himself with the Gabinian cincture, and in full armour leaped upon his horse and dashed into the middle of the enemy. To those who watched him in both armies, he appeared something awful and superhuman, as though sent from heaven to expiate and appease all the anger of the gods and to avert destruction from his people and bring it on their enemies.

[11] All the dread and terror which he carried with him threw the front ranks of the Latins into confusion which soon spread throughout the entire army.

[12] This was most evident, for wherever his horse carried him they were paralysed as though struck by some death-dealing star; but when he fell, overwhelmed with darts, the Latin cohorts, in a state of perfect consternation, fled from the spot and left a large space clear.

[13] The Romans, on the other hand, freed from all religious fears, pressed forward as though the signal was then first given and commenced a great battle.

[14] Even the rorarii rushed forward between the companies of antepilani and added strength to the hastati and principes, whilst the triarii, kneeling on their right knee, waited for the consul's signal to rise.

Notes on the current edition

Ab Urbe Condita With An English Translation, books 1-10, 21-45, with periochae 11-20

1. The

head of the liver

was a protuberance on the upper part of the right ( i.e. Roman ) lobe. in the present instance this protuberance had the appearance of being mutilated, and so constituted a presage of evil to Decius.

2. B.C. 340

3. See chap. iii. § 5. Apparently it was the custom for a member of the pontifical college to accompany the army in order to preside over important rites.

4. indiges probably means

belonging to a certain place,

and di Indigites would be native, as contrasted with the di Novensiles (or novensides ), who were immigrants or new settlers in the Roman Pantheon.

5. A peculiar mode of wearing the toga usual in certain rites and possessing the advantage of rendering the robe less cumbersome.

6. B.C. 340

Titus Livius (Livy) Ab urbe condita 8.9

Benjamin Oliver Foster, Ph.D. (Editor), Frank Gardener Moore (Editor), Evan T. Sage, Ph.D. (Editor), Alfred C. Schlesinger, Ph.D. (Editor)

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