CASSIUS DIO: THE AUGUSTAN SETTLEMENT; (Roman History 53.1 - 55.9). Edited with Translation and Commentary

Dio Cassius, too often consulted just as a historical source, was an historian of considerable interest and originality – at once a Greek man of letters and a late representative of the Roman tradition of senatorial historical writing. For the reign of Augustus his history is the fullest account to survive. This edition covers the years 28 to 5 BC, after which there are substantial gaps in Dio’s text; it includes Dio’s extended discussion of the constitutional settlement of 27 BC and the imperial system it inaugurated. The notes discuss the historical subject matter and Dio’s treatment of it; particular attention is paid to the way Dio shaped his material in the light of his own values and interests. The introduction deals with Dio’s life, the character of his history, and his view of Augustus. Ancient Greek text with facing-page English translation, introduction and commentary.

J. W. Rich is Emeritus Professor of Roman History at the Department of Classics, University of Nottingham. He is editor of 'The City in Late Antiquity' (Routledge, 1996); co-editor with Andrew Wallace-Hadrill of 'City and Country in the Ancient World' (Routledge, 1992); and co-editor with Graham Shipley of 'War and Society in the Roman World' and 'War and Society in the Greek World' (Routledge, 1995).