In Roman regnal and genealogical tradition Alba Silvius appears as a member of the Silvian line descended from Latinus. Classical and late-antique chronicles list him as succeeding Latinus and as ruling Alba Longa for a set span of years (commonly recorded as thirty-eight to thirty-nine). Later medieval writers (e.g., Geoffrey of Monmouth) expand or adapt Silvian figures into broader pseudo-historical narratives, but the primary character in classical sources is a dynastic node used to construct a continuous pre-Roman chronology.
Primary ancient and medieval sources provide no physical description of Alba Silvius. He is attested solely in regnal lists, chronologies, epitaph-like records, and literary genealogies; extant materials treat him as a named ruler in textual lists rather than a vividly described individual.
The supplied sources attribute no supernatural powers or magical abilities to Alba Silvius. His recorded 'actions' are typical regnal items: succession (son or successor of Latinus), a stated length of reign (commonly 38–39 years in various chronicles), and fatherhood of a named successor in some sources (Atys). Medieval adaptations introduce literary episodes involving Silvian figures, but these are expansions of the genealogical tradition rather than claims of extraordinary personal faculties in classical records.
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- [1]Alba Silvius (Wikipedia). Wikipedia contributors, 'Alba Silvius,' Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopediawiki
- [2]Eusebius' Chronicle (attalus.org translation / regnal entries). Eusebius, Chronicle (as transmitted); 'Albas Silvius, 39 years' (attalus.org transcription)literary
- [3]Diodorus Siculus, Book VII (LacusCurtius). Diodorus Siculus, Book VII — regnal summary as presented (reign of thirty-eight years)literary
- [4]Livy, early books (historiographical note on the Silvii). Livy, note that 'The cognomen of Silvius was common to all the remaining kings of Alba, each of whom succeeded his father.'literary
- [5]Origo Gentis Romanae (translation). Anonymous, Origo Gentis Romanae — regnal and genealogical material concerning Alba Longa kings and the Silvian lineliterary
- [6]Eusebius, Chronicle, Book 1 (Bedrosian translation). Eusebius, Chronicle — regnal entries including 'Albas Silvius, 39 years.'literary
- [7]Latin Inscriptions: Elogia (attalus.org). Elogia / epitaph-like records referencing Silvian names and regnal talliesother
- [8]Geoffrey of Monmouth (Historia Regum Britanniae, medieval reception summarized). Medieval adaptation: Geoffrey of Monmouth's pseudo-historical account includes later narrative uses of Silvian figures (e.g., 'Sylvius Epitus') and marriage episodes involving British princesses.literary