APPIAN of Alexandria (Gr. 'ATrTrcavos), Roman historian, flourished during the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, and Antoninus Pius. He tells us that, after having filled the chief offices in his native place, he repaired to Rome, where he practised as an ad vocate. When advanced in years he obtained, by the good offices of his friend Fronto, the dignity of imperial procurator—it is supposed in Egypt. His work (`Pwµauuca) in 24 books, written in Greek, is rather a number of monographs than a connected history. It gives an account of various people and countries from the earliest times down to their incorporation into the Roman empire. Besides a preface, there are extant i I complete books and con siderable fragments. In spite of its unattractive style, the work is very valuable, especially for the period of the civil wars.
Editio princeps, 1551; Schweighauser, 1785; Bekker, 1852 ; Mendels sohn, 1878-1905. English translations: by W. B., 1578 (black letter) ; J. D [avies], 2679 ; H. White, 1899 (Bohn's Classical Library) ; bk. i. ed. by J. L. Strachan-Davidson, 1902.