On the first fateful day, when Romulus struck down his own brother Remus, the cauldron of Rome was forged in blood and betrayal. The seeds of the Palatine Hill cultivated one of the most powerful and far-reaching empires in human history. Although this civilization seemingly wielded the lightning bolts of Zeus, it was infested with violence, vanity, and deceit. Yet a man – or apparently a “non-man” – outdid and outdid his environment and all those who inhabited it. He brought Rome several victories and saved his beloved country from an early exodus, giving it a second start. This man was Marcus Furius Camillus, and despite having a logical and emotional mind, he was often far from being loved and celebrated. At times he was ignored, insulted and even exiled – an irrevocably unjustified method of rewarding the “second founder” of Rome. This contrast of character between the hero and the people was perhaps too radical and too grandiose. People were not yet ready to consider Marcus Furius Camillus as a model of behavior to imitate, to reproduce. Therefore, much of Book 5 of Livy provides a basis for the Roman people to imitate and assimilate contrasting, honest, and strong behavior and temperament. Livy's first effort to create a model citizen for the Roman people exists through the selflessness of Camillus. This is first illustrated by our hero's piety, as evidenced by his prayers to the gods before and after his military efforts. Just before his monumental siege at Veii, Marcus Furius asks “advice [from] Apollo Pythian… and promises him a tenth of the spoils” (Livy, Rome 5.21); But more importantly, our hero, after his victory, raises “his hands to heaven and prays” (Livy, Rome 5.21) as a sign of revelation for his gratitude. Livy's image of Camillus illustra...... middle of paper......" (Livy, Rome 5.23). However, he never abandoned his house and his people, even when they abandoned it Camille's "fervent wish" was that "love for this place will so fill your hearts that you will remain where you are... torn by longing, homesickness for your native land" (Titus). -Live, Rome 5.54) Camillus understood that Rome was more than a conglomeration of buildings and stone. Rome was an idea that had to be encouraged, protected and shared. He was their savior, their misunderstood leader – a hero before. hour This is now Livy's intention in recording the life and story of Marcus Furius Camillus for the world, so that one day we can look back and seek out Rome's compassionate hero: the sun. in the land of darkness. His protector and second founder Livy., 2008.