Ab urbe condita

Definition

Ab urbe condita, meaning 'from the founding of the city,' refers to the traditional Roman method of dating events from the establishment of Rome in 753 BCE. This term not only signifies a chronological framework for Roman history but also highlights the importance of Rome's foundation myths and how they influenced historical writing and periodization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase ab urbe condita was first used by the historian Livy in his monumental work, which chronicled Roman history from its mythical origins to his own time.
2. This dating system became widely adopted by Roman historians and writers, providing a consistent chronological framework for historical events and narratives.
3. The establishment of Rome is traditionally dated to 753 BCE, and this year serves as a reference point for various important historical events in Roman history.
4. Ab urbe condita highlights the cultural significance of Rome's foundation myths, emphasizing how these stories shaped the identity and values of Roman society.
5. This term is often used in conjunction with other dating systems, such as Anno Domini (AD), illustrating the ways in which different cultures conceptualize time.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of ab urbe condita influence our understanding of Roman historiography?
  • Ab urbe condita serves as a foundational framework for Roman historiography, shaping how historians chronicle events and establish timelines. By anchoring historical narratives to the founding date of Rome, writers like Livy were able to create a sense of continuity and national identity. This method also highlights the interplay between mythology and history, as foundational stories often influenced the interpretation and significance attributed to later events.
• In what ways did the ab urbe condita system contribute to the periodization of Roman history?
  • The ab urbe condita system provided a structured timeline that allowed historians to categorize Roman history into distinct periods based on significant events and developments. This chronological approach facilitated a clearer understanding of the progression from Rome's mythical origins through its expansion, governance, and eventual decline. By relying on this system, historians were better equipped to analyze trends, shifts in power, and cultural changes throughout Rome's extensive history.
• Evaluate the role that foundational myths play in shaping the concept of ab urbe condita within Roman culture.
  • Foundational myths are central to the concept of ab urbe condita, as they provide not only a narrative for Rome's origin but also underpin its cultural identity. These myths, particularly those surrounding Romulus and Remus, help frame key values such as bravery, destiny, and divine favor that Romans believed were essential to their society. By intertwining these legendary stories with historical accounts through the lens of ab urbe condita, Romans cultivated a narrative that justified their achievements and ambitions while reinforcing their sense of purpose and unity throughout their history.

Related terms

Romulus:

The legendary founder of Rome, who, according to myth, established the city in 753 BCE after a series of events involving his brother Remus.

Chronology:

The arrangement of events in their order of occurrence, which is crucial for understanding historical timelines and the context of Roman history.

Historiography: The study of historical writing and methods, examining how historians interpret and present past events, particularly in relation to foundational myths.