The internal conflicts of Rome, from the Gracchi to the Empire. Appian is one of the main sources for the history of the Roman Republic, especially in the second and first centuries BC, and sometimes he is the only source, such as for the Third Punic War and the destruction of Carthage. Born around AD 95, Appian was an official in Alexandria and a high society member, who later became a Roman citizen and lawyer. He may have received an equestrian rank, as in his later years he was offered a governorship. He died during the reign of Antoninus Pius (138–161 AD).
Appian's theme is the process by which the Roman Empire acquired its contemporary prosperity, and his unique method is to trace, in separate books, the history of each nation's wars with Rome up to its civil wars. Although this victory of “harmony and monarchy” was achieved through the characteristic Roman virtues, Appian is unusually objective about Rome's weaknesses during this process. His history is particularly strong on economic issues and on the conduct of war and diplomacy.
Of the original twenty-four books of the work, only the Preface and Books 6–9 and 11–17 survive in complete or nearly complete form: those dealing with the Spanish, Hannibalic, African, Illyrian, Syrian, and Mithridatic wars, as well as five books on the civil wars. This edition of Appian replaces the original Loeb edition by Horace White and adds the fragments, as well as a letter to Froude.
Pages: 448, Year of Publication: 0609, Dimensions: 10.8x10.8cm
