HOPKINS CLASSICAL COLLECTION The Epitome is a concise rendition of Roman History, with a primary focus on the numerous wars fought by the Roman people, spanning from the early days of the city's foundation to the era of Augustus. While it is often regarded as an abridgement of Livy's work, the text draws from a diverse range of sources. Although direct quotes from Livy can be found, the author, Florus, also weaves in information from Sallust and Caesar, while leaving echoes of Vergil, Lucan, and the elder Seneca within the narrative. The Epitome , a carefully planned composition, proudly extols the Roman people and consistently endeavors to interpret historical events in a positive and favorable light for them. Its underlying purpose is to serve as a panegyric, skillfully celebrating the triumphs and achievements of Rome. While displaying a striking level of impartiality in most instances, the author does reveal a subtle inclination towards Julius Caesar over Pompeius during the events of the Civil War. The Epitome remains a valuable historical source, capturing the essence of Roman warfare and the trajectory of the empire from its early days to the influential reign of Augustus.