The collection of Pliny's letters is divided into ten books. His career as a young man is described in the earlier letters, which include tributes to notable figures.

Titus Livius, (64 BC-AD 12 or 59 BC-AD 17) known as Livy, was a Roman historian. He wrote a monumental history of Rome and the Roman people, titled Ab Urbe Condita, "From the Founding of the City, '' covering the period from the earliest legends of Rome before the traditional foundation in 753 BC, through the reign of Augustus in Livy's own lifetime. Livy was born in Patavium in northern Italy, now modern Padua, but the year of his birth is much debated. In his works, Livy often expresses his deep affection and pride for Patavium, as the city was well known for its conservative values in morality and politics. Livy likely went to Rome in the 30s BC where he spent a large amount of time. During his stay in Rome, he was never a senator nor held a government position. His writings contain elementary mistakes on military matters, indicating that he probably never served in the Roman army. However, he was educated in philosophy and rhetoric. It seems that Livy had the financial resources and means to live an independent life, though the origin of that wealth is unknown. He devoted a large part of his life to his writings, which he was able to do because of his financial freedom.