# XV explained — Discourses on Livy

> Chapter companion for Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

## What happens

The Samnites, facing total defeat, resort to a religious ritual to inspire their soldiers, forcing them to swear a terrible oath before battle. Despite this, the Romans under Papirius defeat them, demonstrating that Roman valor and discipline overcome even religious fervor. Machiavelli uses this to illustrate the power of religion as a political instrument.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion as a Political Instrument

The Samnites use religion and oaths to instill courage in their soldiers, showing how religion can be wielded for political and military ends.

### Leadership and Moral Character

Papirius's leadership and ability to counter the psychological impact of the Samnite oath with rational arguments and confidence in Roman valor.

## Character check-ins

### Titus Livius

Cited as the source for the Samnite defeat and their religious ritual.

### Papirius Cursor

Roman commander who leads the army against the Samnites and reassures his soldiers before battle.

## Key lines

> could now no longer either trust to their own strength or to foreign aid; yet, for all that, would not cease from hostilities, nor resign themselves to forfeit the liberty which they had unsuccessfully defended, preferring new defeats to an inglorious submission.

The Samnites, though their own forces and allies were crushed, refused to give up the fight or accept a shameful peace, choosing instead to risk further losses.

_Highlights the Samnite determination and the desperation that drove them to religious measures._

> that feathers made no wounds, and that a Roman spear would pierce a painted shield

Papirius told his soldiers that the Samnites' fancy plumes and shields were no match for Roman weapons.

_Shows Papirius's rhetorical skill in demystifying the enemy's intimidating appearance._

## Links

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