The phrase containing the word detraxit is not from Livy.

Instead, detraxit stems from the legal definitions and vocabulary compiled by Roman grammarians and legal antiquarians—most notably Marcus Terentius Varro, whose work was later summarized by Verrius Flaccusand preserved by Festus. They defined the spolia optima fundamentally as the spoils “quae dux populi Romani duci hostium detraxit” (which a Roman leader stripped from an enemy leader). [1, 2]

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1. Livy's Actual Version (Ab Urbe Condita, 1.10.6)

In his History of Rome, Livy writes the dedicating speech of Romulus using purely first-person verbs. He does not mention himself in the third person or use detraxit.

Here is the exact Latin from Livy (1.10.6):

“Iuppiter Feretri, ego rex Romulus victor regia arma fero, templumque his regionibus quas modo animo metatus sum dedico…” [1]

Translation:

"Jupiter Feretrius, I, King Romulus, as victor, bring these royal arms, and I dedicate a temple in these grounds which I have just now marked out in my mind..."

2. Is Illeism in Livy?

Yes, illeism (the practice of referring to oneself in the third person) absolutely exists in Livy, though it behaves differently depending on the context:

• In Speeches (Historical Characters): Livy's generals and kings frequently use their own names or third-person pronouns (ille, ipse) to emphasize their authority, majesty, or historic burden. In the quote above, Romulus saying "ego rex Romulus" is a classic example of explicit self-naming for monumental, ritualistic weight. [1]
• The "Dux Duci Detraxit" Debate: Interestingly, the exact phrase dux duci detraxit appears later in Livy (Book 4.20.6) when he records Emperor Augustus physically entering the ruined Temple of Jupiter Feretrius. Livy writes that Augustus read the ancient linen corselet inscription and used it to clarify a historical legal definition. [1, 2]

Summary of the Switch

The detraxit variation you initially encountered is a hybrid modern conflation of:

1. Livy's theatrical speech ("rex Romulus... fero")
2. Varro/Festus's antiquarian legal definition ("quae... duci hostium detraxit"). [1, 2]

Would you like to explore how Augustus used this specific inscription to block a political rival, Marcus Licinius Crassus, from claiming these very spoils? Let me know if you want to dig into that historical scandal.[1]