Dio's Rome, Volume 2: An Historical Narrative Originally Composed in Greek During the Reigns of Septimius Severus, Geta and Caracalla, Macrinus, Elagabalus and Alexander Severus: And Now Presented in English Form
1914
Dio's Rome, Volume 2: An Historical Narrative Originally Composed in Greek During the Reigns of Septimius Severus, Geta and Caracalla, Macrinus, Elagabalus and Alexander Severus: And Now Presented in English Form
1914
Translated by Herbert Baldwin Foster
A historical account likely composed in Greek during the early 3rd century AD. This work provides an in-depth narrative of Roman history, particularly focusing on the political and military events during the late Republican period, encompassing the exploits of prominent figures such as Lucullus and Pompey. At the start of the volume, the narrative introduces several key battles and political maneuvers during the Mithridatic Wars, particularly highlighting Lucullus's campaigns against Mithridates and Tigranes. It describes the complex dynamics of warfare, shifting allegiances among various kingdoms, and Lucullus's eventual struggles with his own army. The opening also sets the stage for Pompey's rising influence as he is later entrusted with both the campaign against the pirates and the Mithridatic War, signifying the tensions between personal ambition and public service during this tumultuous period in Roman history.
About Dio's Rome, Volume 2: An Historical Narrative Originally Composed in Greek During the Reigns of Septimius Severus, Geta and Caracalla, Macrinus, Elagabalus and Alexander Severus: And Now Presented in English Form
Chapter Summaries
- 36
- Covers Lucullus's campaigns against Mithridates and Tigranes, his eventual replacement by Pompey, and the passage of the Gabinian law giving Pompey extraordinary command against the pirates. Pompey quickly defeats the pirates and receives command of the Mithridatic War.
- 37
- Pompey completes his eastern campaigns, conquers Jerusalem, and settles affairs in Asia. Meanwhile, Catiline's conspiracy unfolds in Rome, with Cicero as consul exposing and defeating the plot through speeches and decisive action.
- 38
- Caesar becomes consul and passes his land law despite Bibulus's opposition. He forms the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, then departs for Gaul where he defeats the Helvetii and Ariovistus in his first major campaigns.
Key Themes
- The Corruption of Republican Government
- Dio chronicles how bribery, violence, and personal ambition systematically undermine traditional Roman institutions. The consulship and other offices become prizes bought with money rather than earned through merit.
- The Rise of Military Strongmen
- The narrative shows how successful generals like Pompey and Caesar accumulate power that transcends normal constitutional limits. Their armies become personal instruments rather than servants of the state.
- Imperial Expansion and Its Consequences
- Caesar's conquest of Gaul and the disastrous Parthian campaign demonstrate both the rewards and dangers of Rome's aggressive expansion. Military success brings wealth and glory but also creates new enemies and internal tensions.
Characters
- Pompey (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus)(major)
- Roman general and statesman, initially allied with Caesar but later becomes his primary rival. Commands significant military forces and holds extraordinary powers including control over grain supply and multiple consulships.
- Julius Caesar(protagonist)
- Roman general and consul who conquers Gaul and eventually crosses the Rubicon to challenge Pompey's power. Demonstrates exceptional military skill and political cunning throughout his campaigns.
- Marcus Licinius Crassus(major)
- Wealthy Roman general and member of the First Triumvirate. Seeks military glory to match his political partners but meets his doom fighting the Parthians at Carrhae.
- Marcus Tullius Cicero(major)
- Rome's greatest orator and defender of the Republic. Opposes both Caesar and various populist politicians, suffers exile but returns to continue his political career.
- Publius Clodius Pulcher(major)
- Radical tribune who transfers from patrician to plebeian status to gain office. Orchestrates Cicero's exile and engages in violent political conflicts with Milo.
- Titus Annius Milo(major)
- Roman politician and gang leader who opposes Clodius with violence. Eventually kills Clodius on the Appian Way and is convicted despite Cicero's defense.
