Epitome of Roman History

A very short introduction to Roman history. Florus, born apparently in Africa, lived in Spain and in Rome during Hadrians time. He wrote, in succinct rhetorical style, a summary of Roman history (especially wars) in two books in order to show the early greatness and subsequent decline of Roman morals. It is based chiefly on Livy. Florus Epitome was perhaps planned to reach his own times, but the extant work ends with Augustus reign. Florus provides a useful rapid sketch of Roman military history. Poetry by Florus is also available in the Loeb Classical Library, in Volume II of Minor Latin Poets (LCL 434).