This 80 volume book recounts the history of Rome from approximately 1200 B.C. to A.D. 230. Dio begins with the discovery of Rome in Latium by Aeneis, as recorded in the Aineid. Aeneis found the city of Rome according to an oracle he had received, leaving its founding to his son, Romulus. These stories are mythic in nature and not necessarily factual representations of Rome's history. Dio continues, however, to recount various incidents of relevance to the young nation's development and establishment, when it was ruled by kings, after Romulus.
The Republic was established in 509 B.C. Rome expands to numerous territories and becomes a formidable force in the West. The various people groups under Rome's domain learn Latin. Then the Punic Wars occupy everyone's attention and the nation's finances from 264-146 B.C. Rome emerges victorious and replaces Carthage as the dominant force.
Julius Caesar sets his sight on more power and usurps the Republic into an Empire. His successors lead with varying success. Assassination is common. Antony's Civil War occurs throughout 27 B.C. Marc Antony fights with Octavian, Caesar's successor, for rulership, but Octavian wins. Boudica, a British Queen and folk hero, leads the British revolt from A.D. 60-61. Proceeding beyond the Imperial Era, Dio adopts a more specific record. He has witnessed most of these events firsthand, so he adds a personal analysis of the consequences of recent events, starting with the rule of Commodus in A.D. 180.
