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Greece and Rome · Livy, History of Rome 21.62

Ships gleaming in the sky

EvidenceDocumentedThe text exists and is quoted from a published translation. What it describes is a separate question.What this means
ReferenceLivy, History of Rome 21.62
Writtenc. 25 BCE
Set218 BCE
In the district of Amiternum, forms of men in shining garments were seen at a distance… and phantom ships had been seen gleaming in the sky.

Translation: After Roberts, 1905

Read it literally

A Roman government record of ships in the sky during the war with Hannibal.

What scholars say

Livy lists prodigies from official records.

From the sky
People and places hereAmiternumHannibalLivy

Quick answers about Livy, History of Rome 21.62

Where is Livy, History of Rome 21.62 found?

Livy, History of Rome 21.62 (Greece and Rome). Translation quoted: Canon W. M. Roberts, Livy: History of Rome (Everyman, 1905).

When was Livy, History of Rome 21.62 written?

c. 25 BCE.

What do scholars say about Livy, History of Rome 21.62?

Livy lists prodigies from official records.

Rabbit holes in this passage

EventLivy's ships in the skyRome's official list of omens for the winter of 218 BCE includes a baby shouting a victory cry, an ox climbing to a third floor and the likeness of ships shining in the sky. These reports went to the Senate. Livy repeats them, and also warns that fear made people believe too easily.

Sources

  1. Canon W. M. Roberts, Livy: History of Rome (Everyman, 1905)Primary text
  2. Livy, History of Rome 21.62 (Latin text; English trans. Canon Roberts, 1905)Primary text

Scholarly dates are rounded. The wording follows the named public-domain translation.

Updated