Appian of Alexandria was a Greek historian of the 2nd century CE. Born into a wealthy Alexandrian family, he pursued a public career in Rome, working as an advocate before attaining the office of procurator under Emperor Antoninus Pius. His career reflects the integration of provincial elites into the Roman administration during the Second Sophistic.
He composed his historical works in Greek during his later years. His major work is the Roman History, a 24-book account organised ethnographically around Rome's wars with various peoples. Only portions survive, the most complete sections covering the Civil Wars, which detail the period from the Gracchi to the Second Triumvirate.
Appian offers a unique organizational scheme and serves as a source for the late Roman Republic. His narrative of the Civil Wars preserves details and traditions not found in other major historians. While his chronology can be imprecise, his pro-Roman perspective and preservation of lost material make his history an indispensable resource.
Available Works
Also published as PDF.