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In this paper, Livy's use of the Latin narrative tenses is examined from a functionalist point of view. Assuming that three levels of meaning (referential, textual and interpersonal) potentially underlie paradigmatic choices in grammatical systems, "tense" and "aspect" are conceived of as three-dimensional categories related to the communicative intentions involved in the narrative tenses. Close-readings of episodes with that conception in mind reveal the significant role played by grammatical aspect in the Latin tense system. In addition, the interpersonal meaning of "perspective" (e.g. authorial vs. eyewitness report) is shown to be often involved in Livy's use of the tenses. Most importantly, the 3D-framework adopted in this study allows for a systematic categorization of all uses of the narrative tenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]