The name "Appianus" is often spelled with two n's at the end, but the correct spelling has only one. The pronunciation of this name is /əˈpaɪ.ə.nəs/, with the stressed syllable being the third from the last. The first two syllables are pronounced with a neutral vowel sound, while the last syllable is pronounced with a short "uh" sound. Remembering the correct spelling can be helpful for those studying ancient Roman history, as Appianus was a prominent historian of the Roman Empire.
Appianus, also known as Appian or Appianus of Alexandria, was a Roman historian and writer who lived during the 2nd century AD. He is best known for his work "Roman History" (Historia Romana), which provides a comprehensive account of the Roman Empire from its foundation to the rise of Julius Caesar.
Appianus' "Roman History" is a valuable historical source for understanding Rome's political, military, and social events. The book is divided into 24 books, each focusing on different periods or themes. Appianus covers a wide range of topics, including the Punic Wars, the Samnite Wars, the Civil Wars, and the Roman conquests. He also explores the lives and actions of notable figures such as Hannibal, Scipio Africanus, and Pompey the Great.
Appianus's writing style is concise and straightforward, aimed at presenting a clear narrative of historical events. His work incorporates both official documents and eyewitness accounts, contributing to a relatively reliable account of Roman history. However, his analysis can be biased at times, as he openly expresses his admiration for Julius Caesar and the Roman Republic.
Despite some limitations, Appianus' "Roman History" holds significant historical importance as a comprehensive and detailed account of Rome's rise to power and the subsequent events that shaped the Roman Empire. Scholars and historians continue to refer to Appianus' work as a valuable primary source for studying this critical period in ancient history.
The word Appianus derives from the Latin name Appianus, which is a cognomen, or a nickname, derived from the Latin personal name Appius. The name Appius itself was a Roman praenomen, or first name, derived from the Etruscan name Apu, meaning father. The suffix -ianus was commonly added in Latin to form a cognomen, meaning belonging to or descendant of, indicating a connection to someone named Appius. Therefore, Appianus can be understood as of or belonging to Appius or descendant of Appius.