Forty-four volumes comprised the Philippic Histories, the principal work of Gnaeus Pompeius Trogus, which mapped the trajectory of the Macedonian Empire from its origins to the era of the emperor Augustus. This Gallo-Roman historian from the Vocontii tribe produced a comprehensive narrative that bridged the history of the East with the geographical scope of the Roman world.
Ancestry and Roman Citizenship
Born at Vaison-la-Romaine in Narbonese Gaul, Trogus belonged to a family that attained Roman citizenship through the influence of Pompey. His grandfather had served under Pompey during the war against Sertorius, leading the family to adopt their patron’s name. His father continued this tradition of service, acting as a secretary and interpreter for Julius Caesar.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →The Philippic Histories
The primary objective of Trogus’s major work was a history of the Macedonian Empire under Philip II and his successors. Starting with the legendary founder of Nineveh, Ninus, the text provided extensive digressions on ethnography and geography. The narrative covered the development of the East from the Assyrians to the Parthians, though the final two books offered only a brief overview of the Iberian Peninsula and early Roman history.
Historiographical Approach
Trogus employed a stricter standard for historical writing than his contemporaries, specifically criticizing Sallust and Livy for inserting invented speeches into their accounts. He relied on Greek sources, including the works of Theopompus, Ephorus, Timaeus, and Polybius, potentially utilizing compilations by Timagenes of Alexandria. Beyond his historical writings, he produced books on the natural history of animals and plants, modeled after Aristotle and Theophrastus.
Historical Legacy and Preservation
The original manuscript of the Philippic Histories was eventually lost. The work survives primarily through an epitome by the later historian Justin, who focused on specific segments he deemed significant, ending with the recovery of Roman standards from the Parthians in 20 BC. Further evidence of Trogus’s influence exists in the prologue summaries found in Justin’s manuscripts and frequent citations of his scientific observations within the writings of Pliny the Elder.
Fast facts
- Born: Vaison-la-Romaine
- Citizenship: Ancient Rome
- Languages: Latin
- Occupations: writer, politician, historian
- Notable works: Philippic History, De animalibus
- Contemporary of: Livy
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Gnaeus Pompeius Trogus cover regarding the Jews?
He detailed the antiquities of the Jews, including biblical and Egyptian-Greek traditions, provided a geographic description of Judea, and outlined Jewish history starting from the Persian period.
Why is the work of Justin important for understanding Trogus?
Because the original 44 volumes of the Philippic Histories are lost, Justin’s epitome serves as the primary source for the content of Trogus’s historical narrative.
Achievements
- Notable work: Philippic History
- Notable work: De animalibus
