Velleius Paterculus

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Historia romana

Velleius Paterculus was a Roman historian and soldier, known for his work "Historiae Romanae," a two-volume history of Rome. Born circa 19 BC, little is known about his early life, but his work provides valuable insights into the Roman world, especially the reign of Tiberius, under whom Paterculus served.

Life

Velleius Paterculus hailed from a equestrian family. His career in the military allowed him to travel extensively across the Roman Empire, including parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. He served as a military tribune in Thrace, and later, in 4 AD, he participated in Tiberius' campaigns in Germania and Pannonia. His close relationship with Tiberius, who later became emperor, is evident throughout his historical work, which is often criticized for its flattering portrayal of Tiberius.

Works

The "Historiae Romanae" is Paterculus' only surviving work, covering the history of Rome from the fall of Troy to the year 30 AD. The work is notable for its concise narrative and is one of the few surviving historical accounts from the early Roman Empire. It provides unique insights into the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius, and the early years of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. However, the work's credibility is often questioned due to Paterculus' apparent bias towards Tiberius and his relatively uncritical approach to sources.

Legacy

Despite its biases, Velleius Paterculus' "Historiae Romanae" remains a crucial source for understanding the early Roman Empire. His work is valued for its literary qualities and its detailed account of a pivotal era in Roman history. Paterculus' perspective as a soldier and a contemporary of the events he describes provides a unique viewpoint, though his work must be read critically, considering his personal and political biases.

See Also

• Roman historiography
• Tiberius Caesar
• Julio-Claudian dynasty
• Roman Republic
• Roman Empire