# Book II explained — Discourses on Livy

> Chapter companion for Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

## What happens

Machiavelli discusses the growth of the Roman empire, the methods used by the Romans to expand, and the importance of liberty and popular government. He contrasts the Roman approach with other republics and examines the role of fortune and virtue in the rise and fall of states.

## Themes in this chapter

### Republican Liberty and Popular Government

Machiavelli argues that republics are more effective at expansion than principalities because they harness the energy and ambition of the people.

### Virtù and Fortune

The chapter explores how Roman success was due to both their virtù (skill, discipline) and favorable fortune, and how fortune can be controlled by wise institutions.

## Character check-ins

### Titus Livius

Primary historical source for Roman expansion and internal conflicts.

### Romulus

Founder of Rome, exemplar of virtuous leadership and expansion.

### Numa

Second king of Rome, credited with establishing religious institutions.

### Furius Camillus

Roman general and dictator, key figure in the recovery after the Gallic sack.

## Key lines

> Those who read what the beginning of the city of Rome was, and what her laws and ordinances were, will not think it strange that so much virtue should have been maintained in that city for so many centuries.

Readers familiar with Rome's founding and its early laws will understand why the city sustained such excellence for centuries.

_Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of founding institutions and laws for long-term success._

> A republic ought to have more life, more hatred, and more desire for revenge than a prince.

A republic is more vigorous, more resentful, and more eager for vengeance than a monarchy.

_Machiavelli contrasts the energy of republics with the caution of princes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/book-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters