Livy (Titus Livius, 64 or 59 BCâ€"AD 12 or 17), the great Roman historian, presents a vivid narrative of Rome’s rise from the traditional foundation of the city in 753 or 751 BC to 9 BC and illustrates the collective and individual virtues necessary to maintain such greatness. The third decad (21â€"30) chronicles the Second Punic War of 220â€"205 BC.