Pollio's remarks may have been the result of negative feelings he harboured toward the city of Patavium from his experiences there during the civil wars.

Livy likely went to Rome in the 30s BC, and it is probable that he spent a large amount of time in the city after this, although it may not have been his primary residence. During his time 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.