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Roman History, Volume 1 of 9, Books 1-11
Dio Cassius (Cassius Dio), ca. 150–235 CE, was born at Nicaea in Bithynia in Asia Minor. On the death of his father (Roman governor of Cilicia) he went in 180 to Rome, entered the Senate, and under the emperor Commodus was an advocate. He held high offices, becoming a close friend of several emperors. He was made governor of Pergamum and Smyrna; consul in 220; proconsul of Africa; governor of Dalmatia and then of Pannonia; and consul again in 229.
Of the eighty books of Dio’s great work Roman History, covering the era from the legendary landing of Aeneas in Italy to the reign of Alexander Severus (222–235 CE), we possess Books 36–60 (36 and 55–60 have gaps), which cover the years 68 BCE to 47 CE. The missing portions are partly supplied, for the earlier gaps by Zonaras, who relies closely on Dio, and for some later gaps (Book 35 onwards) by John Xiphilinus (of the eleventh century). There are also many excerpts. The facilities for research afforded by Dio’s official duties and his own industry make him a very vital source for Roman history of the last years of the republic and the first four emperors.
The Loeb Classical Library edition of Dio Cassius is in nine volumes.
Of the eighty books of Dio’s great work Roman History, covering the era from the legendary landing of Aeneas in Italy to the reign of Alexander Severus (222–235 CE), we possess Books 36–60 (36 and 55–60 have gaps), which cover the years 68 BCE to 47 CE. The missing portions are partly supplied, for the earlier gaps by Zonaras, who relies closely on Dio, and for some later gaps (Book 35 onwards) by John Xiphilinus (of the eleventh century). There are also many excerpts. The facilities for research afforded by Dio’s official duties and his own industry make him a very vital source for Roman history of the last years of the republic and the first four emperors.
The Loeb Classical Library edition of Dio Cassius is in nine volumes.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 230
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About the author
Cassius Dio
396 books43 followersCassius Dio or Dio Cassius (c. 155 – c. 235) was a Roman statesman and historian of Greek origin. He published 80 volumes of history on ancient Rome, beginning with the arrival of Aeneas in Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 24, 2017
It's a good read, bit a harder one because it's pieced together--fragments. Notable with respect to the history is its contribution, but a struggle speckled with question marks for the narrative seeking reader. Highlights abound, but a knowledge of the wider line of history is a prerequisite to a fuller enjoyment.
February 14, 2023
Cassius Dio was a high ranking Roman official under several Emperors, from Commodus to Septimius Severus. He wrote a history of Rome of which much has been lost. What remains has been translated by several historians over time. This edition presents different translations side by side for comparison, which shows mostly how much was left out in some instances. It starts with Romulus and Remus and ends with the First Punic War.
Like most Roman historians of the time Cassius was not much interested in silly things like facts or accuracy. Correct dates and names weren't as important as the message, which was that Rome was really great and especially so after it came under the Emperors. Cassius editorializes a great deal throughout, sometimes on the human follies of pride and greed, but mostly about how democracy sucks and the people do best when there is a firm hand leading them. Remember: Lifelong Government Official.
The history itself is comparatively well done. Not just a list of battles and names, it covers other important topics. For instance, how the Romans threw off their kings and formed the Senate to lead the people. How the Senate became corrupted so the two Consuls came into being. How the Consuls became corrupted and the Tribunes came into being. And how all of these could be set aside in wartime so a Dictator could take charge. Mostly about how the patricians and the plebeians hated each other and were constantly vying for power. That's why you need an Emperor, obviously.
Cassius Dio is a fair historian. He makes some obvious errors, likes to speachify, and is obviously both pro-Roman and pro-Empire. He does show some actual skepticism sometimes, leaving it up to the reader whether of nor a forty foot serpent was found in Sicily or if the statue of Nike actually did stand up and walk. On the whole this work is informative and interesting.
Like most Roman historians of the time Cassius was not much interested in silly things like facts or accuracy. Correct dates and names weren't as important as the message, which was that Rome was really great and especially so after it came under the Emperors. Cassius editorializes a great deal throughout, sometimes on the human follies of pride and greed, but mostly about how democracy sucks and the people do best when there is a firm hand leading them. Remember: Lifelong Government Official.
The history itself is comparatively well done. Not just a list of battles and names, it covers other important topics. For instance, how the Romans threw off their kings and formed the Senate to lead the people. How the Senate became corrupted so the two Consuls came into being. How the Consuls became corrupted and the Tribunes came into being. And how all of these could be set aside in wartime so a Dictator could take charge. Mostly about how the patricians and the plebeians hated each other and were constantly vying for power. That's why you need an Emperor, obviously.
Cassius Dio is a fair historian. He makes some obvious errors, likes to speachify, and is obviously both pro-Roman and pro-Empire. He does show some actual skepticism sometimes, leaving it up to the reader whether of nor a forty foot serpent was found in Sicily or if the statue of Nike actually did stand up and walk. On the whole this work is informative and interesting.
November 8, 2025
RIP to the lost fragments 🙏🏼
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews