Cassius Dio

Who was Cassius Dio?

235), also known as Dio Cassius (Ancient Greek: Δίων Κάσσιος Dion Kassios), was a Roman historian and senator of maternal Greek origin. Cassius Dio was born in 149 AD and died in 235 AD, with his life spanning significant Roman historical events. He published 80 volumes of the history of ancient Rome, beginning with the arrival of Aeneas in Italy. The volumes documented the subsequent founding of Rome (753 BC), the formation of the Republic (509 BC), and the creation of the Empire (27 BC) up until 229 AD, during the reign of Severus Alexander. Written in Koine Greek over 22 years, Dio's work covers approximately 1,000 years of history. Many of his books have survived intact, alongside summaries edited by later authors such as Xiphilinus, a Byzantine monk of the 11th century, and Zonaras, a Byzantine chronicler of the 12th century.

Lucius Cassius Dio, also known as Dio Cassius, was a Roman historian and senator of maternal Greek origin. The volumes documented the subsequent founding of Rome, the formation of the Republic, and the creation of the Empire up until 229 AD, during the reign of Severus Alexander.

Historical significance

Greco-Roman statesman and historian His monumental historical work, 'Roman History', chronicles the Roman Empire from mythical beginnings to the 3rd century AD. Written in Koine Greek, his work offers a distinct perspective on Roman history, shaped by his Greek heritage and Roman experience.