Cléopâtre, le génie politique 4/5 : Mourir plutôt que subir

The 'Histoire romaine' by Dion Cassius is a monumental work that spans 973 years of Roman history, from the city's founding to the reign of Severus Alexander in 229 AD. The work is divided into two main parts: the first 50 books cover the Roman Republic up to the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, and the last 30 books focus on the Imperial period. Although only books 37 to 60 are preserved intact, the rest exists in fragmentary form. Dion Cassius's work is notable for its detailed and precise accounts, particularly on the evolution of Roman institutions and political regimes. His historical method, influenced by Thucydides, includes the use of rhetorical structures and the inclusion of prodigies and omens, which adds to the work's historical value and complexity.

Suetonius's work is characterized by its thematic organization, where each emperor's life is divided into categories such as private life, public life, virtues, and vices. The book includes detailed accounts of the emperors' physical characteristics, manners, and significant events, often using anecdotal evidence and source criticism. Suetonius's approach is more biographical than historical, providing vivid portraits of the emperors rather than a comprehensive historical narrative.