Ab urbe condita

Definition

Ab urbe condita is a Latin phrase meaning 'from the founding of the city,' referring specifically to the year 753 BCE, when Rome was traditionally believed to have been founded. This term represents a chronological framework that historians and Romans used to date events in relation to the establishment of Rome. It encapsulates not just a date but a cultural identity, emphasizing the significance of Rome's origins in shaping its history and influence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ab urbe condita was used by Roman historians like Livy to structure their narratives and provide context for events in Roman history.
2. The term marked a shift in historical writing, as it emphasized a linear view of time tied to the foundation of Rome rather than other arbitrary calendars.
3. In everyday Roman life, ab urbe condita served as a reference point for citizens to understand their city's heritage and civic identity.
4. The dating system based on ab urbe condita continued to be relevant long after the fall of Rome, influencing how subsequent generations approached historical chronology.
5. Roman festivals and significant political events were often celebrated or commemorated based on their relation to the founding year of Rome, reinforcing the cultural significance of ab urbe condita.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of ab urbe condita influence the way Roman historians recorded events?
  • The concept of ab urbe condita significantly shaped how Roman historians like Livy structured their accounts of history. By anchoring events to the founding of Rome in 753 BCE, they provided a clear chronological framework that helped readers understand the significance of each event in relation to the city's origins. This approach allowed for a cohesive narrative that emphasized continuity and growth, making it easier for Romans to connect their present with their storied past.
• Discuss how ab urbe condita reflected Roman cultural identity and its impact on society during Augustus' reign.
  • During Augustus' reign, ab urbe condita played a crucial role in fostering a sense of Roman identity and pride. By promoting narratives that celebrated Rome's founding and achievements, Augustus linked his rule to the city's glorious past. This connection reinforced his legitimacy as a leader while inspiring civic pride among citizens, ultimately contributing to a cultural renaissance that celebrated Rome’s history through art, literature, and monumental architecture reflective of its foundational myths.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of ab urbe condita in shaping historical perspectives beyond ancient Rome.
  • The long-term significance of ab urbe condita extends beyond ancient Rome as it set a precedent for historical chronology that influenced later civilizations. By establishing a clear reference point for dating events, it helped shape how future historians approached the organization of time and narrative. This method not only served as an essential framework for understanding Roman history but also inspired later cultures to develop their own chronological systems based on significant foundational moments, thereby affecting historical writing and cultural identity throughout history.

Related terms

Romulus: The legendary founder of Rome, who, according to myth, established the city and became its first king.

Chronology: The arrangement of events in the order of their occurrence, which in Roman culture was often centered around key dates such as the founding of Rome.

Cicero: A Roman statesman and philosopher who contributed significantly to the understanding of Roman history and culture, often referencing ab urbe condita in his writings.