Ab urbe condita

Definition

Ab urbe condita, meaning 'from the founding of the city,' is a Latin phrase used in ancient Rome to denote the historical timeline based on the founding of Rome in 753 BC. This term is significant as it served as a foundational reference point for Roman historical writings and events, allowing Romans to organize their history and mark significant reforms and cultural developments during the Augustan era. It emphasized Rome's identity and achievements over time, connecting its past to the present.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ab urbe condita was popularized by the historian Livy, who used it as a chronological framework for his monumental history of Rome.
2. This term highlighted Rome's transition from a small settlement to a powerful empire under Augustus's leadership, emphasizing national pride.
3. Augustus reformed various aspects of Roman life, including governance, religion, and infrastructure, which were pivotal in shaping Roman identity tied to its founding.
4. The use of AUC became a standard for dating events in Roman history, providing a clear timeline for understanding key historical developments.
5. Ab urbe condita not only marked historical events but also served as a tool for promoting Augustus’s agenda and legitimizing his rule through the glorification of Rome’s origins.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of ab urbe condita influence Roman historical writing during the Augustan period?
  • The concept of ab urbe condita significantly influenced Roman historical writing by providing a chronological framework that allowed historians like Livy to structure their narratives. This approach emphasized key events and reforms that shaped Rome from its founding in 753 BC through the Augustan era. By referencing this timeline, writers were able to connect current events back to Rome's origins, fostering a sense of continuity and national identity that celebrated Rome's legacy.
• In what ways did Augustus utilize the idea of ab urbe condita to strengthen his political power and promote cultural achievements?
  • Augustus skillfully utilized ab urbe condita to bolster his political power by framing his reign as a continuation of Rome's glorious history. By promoting reforms that were rooted in this timeline, he portrayed himself as the protector of Rome’s heritage while ushering in an era of prosperity. Cultural achievements such as literature and architecture were presented as extensions of this legacy, allowing Augustus to position himself as both a reformer and a restorer of traditional Roman values.
• Evaluate the significance of ab urbe condita in shaping the identity of Rome during the Augustan reforms and its impact on future generations.
  • Ab urbe condita played a crucial role in shaping the identity of Rome during the Augustan reforms by creating a sense of historical continuity that linked present achievements to foundational myths. This connection fostered a strong national pride that not only legitimized Augustus’s rule but also inspired future generations. The emphasis on Rome’s origins encouraged subsequent leaders and citizens to view their actions through the lens of Rome's storied past, influencing how history was recorded and celebrated long after Augustus's time.

Related terms

AUC: Ab urbe condita is often abbreviated as AUC, which is used to reference years in the Roman calendar starting from the founding of Rome.

Pax Romana: A period of peace and stability across the Roman Empire that lasted approximately 200 years, beginning with Augustus's reign, which was crucial for cultural achievements during this time.

Augustus: The first Roman emperor, known for implementing significant reforms and ushering in an era of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.