The Civil Wars (c. 150) is a work of political and military history by
Appian. Written toward the end of his career as a leading advocate in
Rome, The Civil Wars is comprised of books 13-17 of The Roman
History, Appian's 24-book study of the Roman Republic and Empire.
Appian's work has long been considered essential by classical scholars
and historians alike, providing an effective and largely objective
overview of the most turbulent period in the history of Rome. In the
decades after the assassinations of the Gracchi brothers--tribunes who
attempted to enact sweeping reforms in favor of the poor and
veterans--the Roman Republic erupts in a series of violent civil wars.
From 88-81 BC, Sullan and Marian forces waged two wars dividing the
country between the Optimates--Sulla's political faction--and the
Populares, controlled by Marius. In 81 BC, the victorious Sulla declared
himself Dictator of the Republic, leading to a period of executions and
political repression of those declared enemies of the state. Years
later, in 60 BC, the First Triumvirate between Caesar, Crassus, and
Pompey shifts power from the Optimates back to the Populares, creating
tension between the Roman Senate and the Republic's leading generals and
elected officials. As Caesar's military victories and acquisition of new
territories give him increasing power and popularity, Pompey aligns
himself with the Senate. In an act of stunning defiance, Caesar crosses
the Rubicon with his army in 49 BC, setting off a four-year civil war
that will conclude with Caesar declaring himself Dictator for life,
virtually ending the Roman Republic after nearly five centuries of
existence. Accessible and elegantly paced, Appian's The Civil Wars is
an invaluable work from one of the Roman Empire's leading historians.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Appian's The Civil Wars is a classic of Roman history
reimagined for modern readers.
