Justinus

Justinus, often referred to as Marcus Junianus Justinus, was a Roman historian who lived probably in the 2nd or 3rd century AD. He is best known for his epitome of Pompeius Trogus's Historiae Philippicae et Totius Mundi Origines et Terrae Situs (Philippic Histories).

Justinus's Epitome Historiarum Philippicarum Pompei Trogi is a condensed version of Trogus's comprehensive historical work, which covered a vast sweep of history from the ancient Near East to the Roman period. Trogus's original work is largely lost, making Justinus's epitome an invaluable source for understanding its content.

The Epitome focuses primarily on the history of Macedon and the Hellenistic kingdoms that arose after the death of Alexander the Great. It also contains accounts of other significant civilizations and empires, including the Persians, Parthians, and Romans. While Justinus's work is an abridgment and thus omits much detail from Trogus's original, it preserves a coherent narrative and offers insights into Trogus's perspective on history.

Scholarly debate exists regarding the extent to which Justinus accurately reflects Trogus's views and the degree to which Justinus himself may have shaped the narrative through his own interpretations and editorial choices. Regardless, the Epitome provides valuable information about the cultures, politics, and wars of the ancient world, offering a Roman perspective on events outside of Roman history itself.

The Epitome enjoyed considerable popularity in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, serving as a key source for classical history. It has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be studied by historians and classicists today. Justinus is often cited as a key source for understanding the history of the Hellenistic world, particularly regions beyond Greece itself, as Trogus’s original work covered regions and perspectives often overlooked by Roman historians primarily concerned with Rome's rise to power.