Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts Augustus' writings about himself in the "Res Gestae" with those of Tacitus and Dio Cassius.

From the Paper
"Augustus's writing about himself in the "Res Gestae" can be compared with the writing of two other ancients, Tacitus and Dio Cassius. While Augustus's writing was essentially an epitaph that he wrote for himself in advance of his death, Tacitus and Dio Cassius were historical writers who provided alternate views on the historical time in which they lived and on Augustus himself. In the "Res Gestae", Augustus does not allow modesty to prevent him from presenting his deeds in their best light as..."

Tags:Augustus, Roman Empire, Res Gestae, Tacitus, Dio Cassius

Abstract
The paper discusses various interpretations and images of Cleopatra based on Plutarch, Cassius Dio, and Lucy Hughes-Hallett.

From the Paper
"Historians and writers of fiction alike have long been fascinated with Egypt's Queen Cleopatra. The ways in which this apparently complex woman has been portrayed have varied over time and with respect to the nationality, culture and political views of the writer. This essay will consider the presentation of Cleopatra according to Dio Cassius and Plutarch, two Roman writers who, if not precisely contemporary with Cleopatra, lived at a time when her influence was still widespread. A contemporary writer, Lucy Hughes-Hallett, will also be discussed."

Tags:Cleopatra, ancient history

Abstract
This paper explores the relationship between Marcus Agrippa, Maecenas, and Octavius in Cassius Dio's text. The author analyzes how the interaction of these three characters provides insight into their characters. The author believes that the central theme is humane ambition.

Abstract
By examining the "Annals of Tacitus", the paper establishes where Tacitus' sympathies lay and how these feelings colour the text irreversibly with regard to the reign of the notorious Emperor Nero. It explains why these opinions were formed and how far he is likely to have worked with the methods of a modern historian. It discusses the "literary" feel of the writing and the effects this has, but also evaluates Tacitus by the standards of a modern historian.

From the Paper
"The reign of the notorious Emperor Nero comes last in the Annals of Tacitus, with the final part of his reign missing. In this final section of the Annals, Tacitus charts the downfall of the young emperor, from his beginnings as a young man ("still almost a boy") surrounded by manipulative advisers and relatives to his eventual, violent demise as an extravagant, tyrannical madman. The story of Nero's reign is skilfully written in Tacitus' trademark "silver Latin", and quite entertaining. However, it is important to note that Tacitus can scarcely be considered an historian by today's stringent standards, since he does not evaluate source material to give a fair and balanced view of the period of Nero's reign."

Tags:bias, dio, suetonius, tigellinus