Imaging empire: Aspects of Velleius Paterculus' historiography (Roman Empire)

Velleius began his history with the foundation of the Assyrian empire and structured his work in accordance with the theory of the succession of empires. Velleius' history was universal and included notices from Greek history through the fourth century. In book one Velleius' level of treatment for events prior to the foundation of Rome was on the average 3 words/year; this increased to around 25 for the regal period and early Republic, and then to roughly 50 for events from the third century down to 146 BC. Velleius' handling of chronology shows considerable skill. Chronology was also an important aspect of his historiography: by chronographic means he portrayed Octavian and Tiberius as re-founders of Rome and also highlighted events pertinent to the establishment of the principate; in a similar manner Velleius used events dated by reference to Vinicius' consulship to underscore the motif of the mixed character. Velleius manipulated chronology but did not go so far as to falsify dates. Velleius viewed his history as one volume in two parts. Digressions mark major breaks at 146 BC and 60 BC; the former corresponds with Rome's attainment of world empire, while the latter marks Caesar's consulship as the beginning of the events that would lead to the establishment of the principate. Velleius preferred method of composition was by units: the most extensive are biographical and progress in succession from Sulla to Tiberius; large topical units are closely intertwined with these, and Velleius also used theme as a unifying element. The genre of Velleius' work is best described as summary history. Velleius is the earliest surviving summarist, but his work seems to have been part of a trend towards brief treatments of history that began during the last century of the Republic. Velleius' fondness for summary treatments suggests that he intended his history to have some use as a reference work; he was most concerned however to glorify the principate and especially Tiberius' rise to power. In light of the critical situation in AD 30, the consulship of Marcus Vinicius may have played a significant role in Tiberius' plans to oust Sejanus.