L. Annæi Flori Epitome Rerum Romanarum, Cum Versione Anglica, in Qua Verbum De Verbo, Quantum Per Utriusque Linguæ Genium Fieri Licuit, Redditur, or a Compendious History of Rome

by Florus

This book details the grandeur and rise to dominance of the Roman Empire during the seven hundred years from King Romulus to Caesar Augustus, covering the Roman people's achievements in war and peace. With in-depth exploration of the strategies employed by Roman generals, the author illuminates military tactics and strategies that brought unparalleled success and forged an empire that would leave an indelible mark on history and culture. The book places these events within the broader context of Roman civilization, examining the interplay between military expansion and the development of Roman society, politics, and culture. Through its analysis of the Roman Empire's ascent and consolidation of power, this book provides valuable insights into the dynamics of empire-building, shedding light on the strategies and principles that have shaped the course of human history.

Genres: History, Classics

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1929

Reviews

[Markus]

Epitome of Roman History
By Annaeus Florus (about 70AD – 140AD)
Several authors by the name of Florus are mentioned in Roman History. The author of this work is likely the one who lived at the time of the emperor Hadrian. He was a contemporary of Suetone.
His work, the Epitome of Roman History is a condensed version of Roman History, spanning over seven hundred years, from Romulus to Augustus. From its humble beginning to its greatness and its decline.
Like Seneca, though not using the same divisions, Florus uses as a comparison of the life of a person, from childhood to virile man and the decline of old age.
The work is not a reduced version of Tacitus or Livy’s History of Rome. The style of Florus’ writing is quite different and visibly authentic. He is using a colourful and pleasant vocabulary to describe events precisely in good sequence and never boring. He knows how to recall lively images of actions with intelligent comments of his imagination.
Having said that, it is also true that our author has made a good number of chronological and geographical mistakes. May these serve as proof of authenticity if need be.
Florus is writing his History like an epic poem; the reader will notice how the author is proud of his origins; how often he mentions the Romans as the Royal Nation.
The fact the author wanted a condensed version of history, made him reduce time scales to a minimum and the reader may have the impression that Roman History was just a long list of wars, one after the other. Wars of conquest and in the end civil wars.
But from works of other authors, the reader of Roman History will know how long many of these wars have lasted, how devastating they were and the number of victims just unimaginable, considering that the warriors used only weapons of steel or bronze and no gunpowder.
This relatively short work of History gave A. Florus great celebrity in the middle ages when it was widely used as a textbook in schools.
Editors of the seventeenth century were rivalling to translate the work into French, English, Danish etc. up to twelve languages at the time.
This work can certainly serve as a reference book for readers starting in Roman History.
There will be rich material and suggestions for further reading.

[Eric]

A concise summary, this is excellent for teaching Roman history.

[Luca Ottavi]

"Ego nolo Florus esse", e iure meritoque, aggiungerei. La carrellata asettica delle guerre combattute da Roma si accompagna a uno stile di pretenziosa brevitas che strizza l'occhio ad autori ben più quotati. Un ottimo bignami per passare l'interrogazione dal grammaticus, in attesa di un più sostanzioso Sallustio.

[Elliot]

Fun to read! Goes fast, provides "wikipedia-quality" synopsis of Roman history up to the time of Augustus and Christ.