Dio's Rome, Volume 3: 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 3: 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 written in the early 20th century, specifically around the 1900s. This volume is part of a larger narrative originally composed in Greek and covers significant events in Roman history, particularly focusing on the time surrounding the civil conflicts post-Caesar's assassination, detailing the actions and conflicts involving key figures like Gaius Octavius (Augustus), Marc Antony, and other prominent leaders of the era. At the start of this volume, Dio presents the early life of Gaius Octavius, who becomes the powerful figure Augustus, and how his rise is intertwined with the political turmoil following Julius Caesar's murder. The narrative details Octavius’s background, his connections to Caesar, and the events leading to his eventual assumption of power amidst the rivalry with Antony and Cicero’s prominent speeches against the latter. Through vivid storytelling, Dio sets the stage for a broader understanding of this critical period in Roman history, exemplifying the tension between the desire for power and the complex political landscape of the time.
About Dio's Rome, Volume 3: 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
- 45
- Covers Octavius's early life, adoption by Caesar, and initial political maneuvering. Includes his conflict with Antony and Cicero's Philippic speeches against Antony.
- 46
- Details Calenus's defense of Antony, the battles at Mutina where Antony is defeated, and Octavius's march on Rome to claim the consulship.
- 47
- The formation of the Second Triumvirate, the brutal proscriptions including Cicero's death, and the preparations for war against Brutus and Cassius.
Key Themes
- The Death of the Republic
- Dio chronicles the final collapse of the Roman Republic as democratic institutions give way to autocratic rule. The triumvirate represents the last stage before monarchy is fully established.
- Power and Corruption
- The narrative shows how the pursuit of power corrupts even well-intentioned leaders, as seen in the proscriptions and the gradual abandonment of republican principles by all parties.
- Fate and Divine Will
- Throughout the work, Dio emphasizes portents, omens, and divine intervention as forces shaping historical events, suggesting that the rise of Augustus was divinely ordained.
Characters
- Gaius Octavius (later Augustus Caesar)(protagonist)
- Caesar's adopted son and heir, who becomes one of the triumvirs. Initially young and inexperienced, he grows into a shrewd political leader who ultimately defeats his rivals.
- Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony)(major)
- Caesar's lieutenant and consul, becomes triumvir with Octavius and Lepidus. Known for his military prowess but also his excesses and relationship with Cleopatra.
- Marcus Aemilius Lepidus(major)
- The third triumvir, often overshadowed by his more powerful colleagues. Eventually stripped of power by Octavius.
- Marcus Tullius Cicero(major)
- Famous orator and senator who opposes Antony in a series of speeches called the Philippics. Eventually killed during the proscriptions.
- Marcus Junius Brutus(major)
- Leader of Caesar's assassins, fights against the triumvirs at Philippi where he is defeated and commits suicide.
- Gaius Cassius Longinus(major)
- Co-leader of Caesar's assassination, fights alongside Brutus against the triumvirs and dies at Philippi.
