Roman History, Volume VIII

Dio Cassius (Cassius Dio), circa 150–235 CE, was born at Nicaea in Bithynia in Asia Minor. Upon the death of his father, who was the Roman governor of Cilicia, he moved to Rome in 180, entered the Senate, and under the emperor Commodus, became an advocate. He held high offices and became a close friend of several emperors. His distinguished career saw him appointed as governor of Pergamum and Smyrna, consul in 220, proconsul of Africa, governor of Dalmatia, and then of Pannonia; he was consul again in 229.

Of the eighty books of Dio's monumental work Roman History, which spans from the legendary arrival of Aeneas in Italy to the reign of Alexander Severus (222–235 CE), we possess Books 36–60 (though Books 36 and 55–60 have gaps). These volumes cover the years 68 BCE–47 CE. The missing parts are partially filled by Zonaras, who closely follows Dio for the earlier gaps, and by John Xiphilinus (of the eleventh century) for some later omissions, beginning with Book 35. Additionally, there are numerous excerpts. The insights gathered from Dio's official duties and his rigorous efforts make him an essential source for understanding Roman history during the final years of the republic as well as the reign of the first four emperors.

The Loeb Classical Library edition of Dio Cassius is available in nine volumes.