Historia Augusta

The "Historia Augusta" is a biographical work that covers the lives of Roman emperors from Hadrian to Carinus, written by six different authors in the late fourth century. It is an enigmatic work whose origins, nature, and purpose remain obscure, but it offers vivid characterizations of emperors and has its attractions for both connoisseurs of biography and casual readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2022
Publisher: Harvard University Press

The Historia Augusta is a comprehensive biographical work that closely follows the structure of the imperial biographer Suetonius, spanning the lives of Roman emperors from Hadrian (r. 117–138) to Carinus (r. 283–285). However, there is a gap in the narrative between the reigns of the Gordians and the Valerians. Despite being presented to us as a compilation of thirty books authored by six different individuals, it is widely accepted that the work was the creation of a single individual writing under various pseudonyms no earlier than the late fourth century. This enigmatic text remains shrouded in mystery, with its origins, nature, and purpose still largely unknown. The very beginning of Hadrian's life is lost, along with any potential introduction that may have existed.

While the Historia Augusta provides valuable insights into the second and third centuries, particularly in offering details beyond the Greek accounts, it should not be considered a reliable source for historical information. Numerous details within the text are anachronistic, unsupported, or outright absurd, and they are often contradicted by other reliable sources or internally. Additionally, many of the documents, speeches, acclamations, and inscriptions quoted or cited by the Historia Augusta are entirely fictional. Nevertheless, there are certain aspects of the work that appeal to both the connoisseur of biography and the casual reader. The author employs a rich vocabulary, including wordplay, puns, allusions, literary games, and mock-scholarly digressions, which provide entertainment and engagement. At the same time, the text offers vivid portrayals of emperors, both virtuous and despicable, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of their personalities and actions.

This revised edition of the original Loeb edition, prepared by David Magie, incorporates the latest developments in modern scholarship. It presents the text in a clear and accessible format, accompanied by comprehensive translation and detailed annotation. By updating the scholarship, this edition ensures that readers have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information available on the Historia Augusta . Whether you are a scholar seeking to deepen your understanding of ancient history or a casual reader interested in exploring the lives of Roman emperors, this edition is an invaluable resource.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 169 x 117 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674997448