How did Roman folklore influence Livy’s account of early Roman history?

Because early Roman history was poorly documented, Livy and other ancient historians faced significant challenges in establishing factual accounts. To bridge the gaps in the meager chronological framework provided by official records like the fasti, Livy incorporated both native and Greek folklore into his narrative.1

Rather than prioritizing scholarly accuracy or antiquarian research, Livy utilized these traditional stories to construct moral episodes that highlighted the character of leading figures. His history of early Rome is a blend of fact and fiction, where folklore served as a vehicle to illustrate virtues—such as the piety of Marcus Furius Camillus—and to provide moral examples for his contemporaries.21

By reshaping these narratives, Livy aimed to make history meaningful and alive for his generation, using it to reflect on the moral decline of Rome and the qualities that had once made the state great. Consequently, his work often reflects the political and moral controversies of his own time rather than providing a strictly accurate portrayal of early Roman events.21