Nicolaus of Damascus' life of Augustus

Translated with a Commentary
A Dissertation submitted to the Board of University Studies of the Johns Hopkins University in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Clayton M. Hall
1922
In preparing this translation of the Life of Augustus, the text of L. Dindorf, Historici Graeci Minores, Leipsic 1871, vol. 1, has been used as a basis. Suggestions of K. Müller, Fragmenta Historicorum Graecorum, Paris 1874, vol. 3, pp. 427 ff., and of N. Piccolos, Nicolas de Damas, Vie de César, Paris 1850, have been found of value. The last named work treats only of the section found in the ‘Codex Escorialensis’, namely chapters 16 to 31. In cases of variation among these three editors, the preferred reading has been duly indicated in the commentary; departures from their texts have also been noted. Works which have been of value in preparing the commentary have been fully cited therein.
To obviate the confusion between the elder and the younger Caesar, which exists through the excerpt, it has been found expedient to refer to the later Augustus as Octavius uniformly until his arrival in Italy from Apollonia, when he became acquainted with the contents of Caesar’s will, and thereafter as Octavian.
All the references to Appian are to his ‘Civil Wars’.
The writer here wishes to express his obligation to Professor T. Frank, under whose direction this work was undertaken, to Professor W. P. Mustard, who has kindly read the entire manuscript of the translation, and to Professors C. W. E. Miller and D. M. Robinson.
Avengers of Caesar were expected to appear from among those who in his lifetime had come upon good fortune at his hands or who had received from him power, riches, and valuable gifts, such as they had not hoped for even in dreams. Octavius received advice of various sorts from different people, as is always the case in times when a situation is obscure and unsettled, but he determined to postpone decision in the whole matter until he could see those of his friends who were preeminently mature and wise and secure the aid of their counsel also. He decided therefore to refrain from action, but to go to Rome, and having first arrived in Italy, to find out what had taken place after Caesar’s murder, and to take counsel with the people there concerning the entire affair.