History of Rome (Books 33-39) Vol. V
Books 33-39 of Livy's History of Rome cover a period of about 60 years, from the Third Punic War to the Conspiracy of Catiline. This was a time of great upheaval and change for the Roman Republic.
Book 33 describes the Third Punic War, which was fought between Rome and Carthage from 149 to 146 BC. The war ended with the destruction of Carthage and the enslavement of its population.
Book 34 describes the aftermath of the Third Punic War and the rise of the Roman general Scipio Africanus Minor. Scipio was a brilliant military commander, but he was also a controversial figure. He was accused of corruption and of trying to establish himself as a tyrant.
Book 35 describes the Numantine War, which was fought between Rome and the Numantians, a Celtic people in Spain, from 143 to 133 BC. The war was a difficult one for the Romans, but they eventually emerged victorious.
Book 36 describes the Social War, which was fought between Rome and its Italian allies from 91 to 88 BC. The war was caused by the allies' demands for Roman citizenship. The war ended with the Romans granting citizenship to all Italians, but it left a legacy of bitterness and resentment.
Book 37 describes the civil war between Marius and Sulla, which was fought from 88 to 82 BC. The war was caused by a power struggle between the two men. Marius was a popular general who supported the rights of the common people. Sulla was a wealthy aristocrat who supported the rights of the Senate. The war ended with Sulla's victory, but it caused a great deal of damage to the Roman Republic.
Book 38 describes the Mithridatic Wars, which were fought between Rome and the Pontic Kingdom from 88 to 63 BC. The wars were caused by the expansionist ambitions of Mithridates VI, the king of Pontus. Rome eventually emerged victorious, but the wars were long and costly.
Book 39 describes the Conspiracy of Catiline, which was a plot to overthrow the Roman government in 63 BC. The conspiracy was led by Catiline, a Roman aristocrat who was deeply in debt. Catiline's plot was uncovered and crushed by the Roman consul Cicero.
Books 33-39 of Livy's History of Rome are a valuable source of information about a turbulent period in Roman history. Livy's writing is vivid and engaging, and he provides a fascinating account of the people and events of this time.