In this paper, Livy’s portrayal of Scipio as aedilis curulis is read according to both a historiographical and rhetorical perspective. Firstly, I aim at clarifying what purposes had brought Livy to edit the text of Polybius and what methodology he employed. Secondly, I analyse the narratological and lexicographical elements chosen by Livy. The aim is to see how Scipio’s behaviour fits into an overall profile of the character as it emerges from books 21-25. I suggest that Livy does not portrays Scipio as a perfect hero according to criteria of morality and patriotism, but he intends to offer a more complex and problematic picture of the character. 

Keywords: hivy, Historical method, Narrative habit, Rhetorical style.