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
By
Clayton M. Hall
1922
FOREWORD
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’.