Dio's Rome, Volume 3 An Historical Narrative Originally Composed in Greek During The Reigns of Septimius Severus, Geta and Caracalla, Macrinus, Elagabalus and Alexander Severus: and Now Presented in English Form

The third volume revives a pivotal chapter of Roman history, translated from the original Greek chronicle. It follows the early life of Gaius Octavius—the future Augustus—detailing the myths of his birth, his education under Caesar, and the omens that marked his childhood. At the same time it sketches the mounting rivalry between Caesar and Mark Antony and records Cicero’s fierce speeches against the general. Listeners hear Senate debates, prophetic dreams, and the rigorous training that readied a young noble for power.

Listeners are taken into vivid scenes—a serpent‑laden dream, an eagle returning a loaf of bread, a torn tunic that sparks a bold claim about senatorial authority. The narrative stops before the decisive battles, leaving the listener on the cusp of Rome’s transformation from republic to empire. This translation balances scholarly detail with an engaging storytelling pace, making the ancient world feel immediate and the political stakes unmistakable.