On that first fateful day, when Romulus struck his brother Remus, the cauldron of Rome was forged in blood and betrayal. The seeds on the Palatine Hill cultivated one of the most powerful and extensive empires in human history. Although this civilization apparently wielded the thunderbolts of Zeus, it was infested with violence, vanity, and deceit. Yet, one man – or apparently a “not” man – surpassed and beautified his surroundings and all those around him. He brought Rome numerous victories and saved his beloved homeland from an early exodus, thus providing it with a second start. This man was Marco Furio Camillo, and despite a logical and emotional mind, he was often less than 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 in character between hero and people was perhaps too drastic and too grandiose. People were not yet ready to see Marco Furio Camillo as a model of behavior to emulate, to reproduce. Thus, 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 in creating a model citizen for the Roman people exists through the altruism of Camillus. This is first illustrated through our hero's piety, as evidenced by his prayers to the gods before and after his military exploits. Shortly before his monumental siege of Veii, Marcus Furius asks "guidance [of] Pythian Apollo... and swear[s] to [him] a tenth of the spoils" (Livy, Rome 5.21); more importantly, our hero after his victory raises "his hands to heaven and prays" (Livy, Rome 5:21) in revelation of his gratitude. The image of Titus Livy of Camillus illustrates...... middle sheet...." (Livy, Rome 5,23). However, he never gave up on his home and his people, even when they gave up on him. Camillo's "fervent desire" was that "love for this place would fill your hearts so much that you would remain where you are... devastated by desire, nostalgic for your native land" (Livy, Rome 5.54). Camillo understood that Rome was more than a collection of buildings and stone. Rome was an idea, to be cultivated, protected and shared. He was their savior, their misunderstood leader, a hero before his time. From now on, this is Livy's intention in recording the life and story of Marcus Furius Camillus for the world, so that one day we may look back and seek Rome's compassionate hero: the sun in the earth of darkness. Its patron and second founder.Works CitedLivy. The Rise of Rome: Books One through Five. Trans. TJ Luce. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008.