Xiphilinus and the Alexandrian Embassy of 57 BC

Abstract

The present papers focuses on the analysis of minor episode from the Xiphilinus’ Epitome of Cassius Dio’s Roman History devoted to the issue of restoration of Ptolemy XII’s to the Egyptian throne and the actions undertaken by delegation of Alexandrians under the leadership of Dio, a Stoic philosopher, to undermine Ptolemy’s efforts. It is argued that Xiphilinus, while providing a derivative account based on a single source, followed in his narrative a different agenda than Dio. His focus lies in presenting actions of Ptolemy and his Roman allies (dynatoi) as evidence for unlawfulness, corruption and bribery which in Xiphilinus’ view formed a common characteristic of late republican Roman polity.