Appian

Quick Facts: Who was Appian?

Subject:

Appian

Known for:

Greco-Roman historian known for his comprehensive accounts of the late Republic.

Born:

95

Died:

165

Century / Era:

95s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Appian of Alexandria (; Ancient Greek: Ἀππιανὸς Ἀλεξανδρεύς, romanized: Appianòs Alexandreús; Latin: Appianus Alexandrinus; c. 95 – c. AD 165) was a Greek historian with Roman citizenship who prospered during the reigns of the Roman Emperors Trajan, Hadrian, and Antoninus Pius. He was born c. 95 in Alexandria. After holding the senior offices in the province of Aegyptus (Egypt), he went to Rome c. 120, where he practiced as an advocate, pleading cases before the emperors (probably as advocatus fisci, an important official of the imperial treasury). It was in 147 at the earliest that he was appointed to the office of procurator, probably in Egypt, on the recommendation of his friend Marcus Cornelius Fronto, an influential rhetorician and advocate. Because the position of procurator was open only to members of the equestrian order (the "knightly" class), his possession of this office tells us about Appian's family background.

Career & Major Achievements

His principal surviving work (Ρωμαϊκά Romaiká, known in Latin as Historia Romana and in English as Roman History) was written in Greek in 24 books, before 165. This work more closely resembles a series of monographs than a connected history. It gives an account of various peoples and countries from the earliest times down to their incorporation into the Roman Empire, and survives in complete books and considerable fragments. The work is very valuable, especially for the period of the civil wars. The Civil Wars, books 13–17 of the Roman History, concern mainly the end of the Roman Republic and take a conflict-based view and approach to history.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Despite the lack of cited sources for his works, these books of the Roman History are the only extant comprehensive description of these momentous decades of Roman history. The other extant work of Appian is his "The Foreign Wars", which includes an ethnographic style history recounting the various military conflicts against a foreign enemy in Roman history, until the time of Appian. Little is known of the life of Appian of Alexandria. He wrote an autobiography that has been almost completely lost. Information about Appian is distilled from his own writings and a letter by his friend Cornelius Fronto.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 95: Birth of Appian — Greco-Roman historian known for his comprehensive accounts of the late Republic.
2. 165: Passing & Historical Legacy — Appian passed away on 165, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Appian

“I boasted that I pleaded cases in Rome before the emperors.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Appian

True or False: “Appian's surviving work, The Civil Wars, is considered one of the few comprehensive accounts detailing the transition from Roman Republic to Empire.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): The books covering the civil wars (13-17) are noted as being among the most complete descriptions available for this pivotal period.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Julia Domna — Contemporary (Born in 165) (165): Influential Roman Empress, wife of Septimius Severus, and founder of the Severan line.
• Taejo of Goguryeo — Contemporary (Died in 165) (165): Sixth King of Goguryeo, who expanded the state and centralized royal rule.
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• Nerva — Contemporary figure (Died in 98) (98): Roman Emperor (AD 96-98) who restored liberties and adopted Trajan.
• Clement of Rome — Contemporary figure (Died in 99) (99): First Apostolic Father and Bishop of Rome in the late 1st century.
• John the Apostle — Contemporary figure (Died in 99) (99): A foundational apostle, author of the Gospel of John and Revelation.
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• 95 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 95
• 165 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 165

Frequently Asked Questions about Appian