The Time of Composition of Cassius Dio’s “Roman History”: a Reconsideration

Abstract

Summary The question of Cassius Dio’s time of writing is characterised by scant evidence and a lack of consensus. This article will present a highly significant correction to our understanding of the most important passage for this question, as well as two passages that have not generally been taken into consideration. The article will argue that Dio finished his main work in the late 210s and thereby support a so-called ‘early dating’. This is central for the current re-evaluation of Dio since it gives a clearer picture of the background against which Dio conceived his work and his many sophisticated interpretations.