Spanning 80 volumes, the Roman History authored by Cassius Dio meticulously documented approximately 1,400 years of Mediterranean statecraft, from the mythic arrival of Aeneas in Italy to the consulship of the author himself in 229 AD. This massive historical project, composed in Koine Greek, required twenty-two years of intensive research and documentation by the long-serving Roman senator.
Political Career and Administrative Service
Born in 0150 at Nicaea, Cassius Dio followed a distinguished path of public service within the Roman administrative structure. He attained the rank of senator during the reign of Commodus and subsequently served as the governor of Smyrna following the death of Septimius Severus. His political trajectory included terms as a suffect consul around 205 AD, alongside roles as proconsul in both Africa and Pannonia. His administrative standing peaked under Emperor Severus Alexander, who granted him a second consulship in 229 AD.
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Take the IQ test →Composition of the Roman History
The 80-volume work was the result of a rigorous ten-year collection phase followed by a twelve-year writing process. Although a Roman citizen, Dio chose to write in Koine Greek. His narrative scope encompasses the founding of the Republic, the establishment of the Empire in 27 BC, and detailed coverage of the era through 229 AD. The text remains a primary source for historical events such as the revolt led by Boudica in 60-61 AD.
Survival and Reconstruction of the Text
The original manuscripts underwent centuries of fragmentation. While several books, particularly those covering 65 BC to 12 AD and 9 AD to 54 AD, remain nearly complete, others rely on summaries by later figures such as the 11th-century monk John Xiphilinus and the 12th-century chronicler Joannes Zonaras. Various fragment collections, including the Fragmenta Valesiana, Peiresciana, Ursiniana, and Excerpta Vaticana, have allowed scholars to partially reconstruct the earlier portions of the history.
Fast facts
- Born: 0150, Nicaea
- Died: 0235, Nicaea
- Primary Occupation: Roman senator, historian
- Notable Work: Roman History
- Languages: Koine Greek, Latin
- Consulship: 229 AD
- Citizenship: Ancient Rome
Questions readers ask
What historical period does Roman History cover?
It covers approximately 1,400 years, beginning with the arrival of Aeneas in Italy around 1200 BC and concluding in 229 AD.
Was Cassius Dio a Roman or a Greek writer?
He was a Roman citizen of Greek origin who held high office in Rome but chose to write his history in Koine Greek.
Achievements
- Notable work: Roman History
