Dio Cassius: History of Rome Irony

Dio Cassius: History of Rome Irony

Not the true founder

We have an ironic element in the first part of the book when the true founder of the Empire is revealed. Initially, the narrator claims that Aeneas is the true founder. Ironically, as the author himself points out, Aeneas is not remembered as the true founder but rather Romulus, one of his sons is.

We will promote peace

The first two Kings who ruled over the Roman Empire made it their mission to create the greatest empire without using excessive force. The first two kings manage to keep close to their purpose and expand their realm through peace. Ironically, this only lasted for a couple of years. In fact, the fourth Roman King remained down in history as a competent leader who believed that the way to expand one country is through war and violence.

No one is safe

In the second part of the book, the narrator includes a recollection of the Rape of Lucretia. This event is presented in an ironic way because Lucretia was the wife of the King. As such, this event has the purpose of transmitting the idea that no one, not even the wife of the king, can truly be safe during a war.

No longer protecting the country he loved

In the fourth book, the writer presents the story of Coriolanus, a brave military leader who played an important part in saving the city of Corioli during the siege it suffered in the 5th century BC. Ironically, soon after those events, Coriolanus was exiled out of Rome, proving thus that no one was safe in the Empire.

Saved by women

Rome’s history is marked by violence and conflicts but what remains constant is the fact that women are seen as virtually useless. As such, it is ironic to see how in multiple circumstances, the narrator describes how women saved their families and the country in general.

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