Cassius Dio and his Μαρκομαννίς: A textological and philological aspect of the problem. A contribution to information possibilities of ancient written sources
Abstract
In the paper availability of the accounts by ancient authors concerning the area of the Czech Basin to Czech readers who do not possess knowledge of classical languages is assessed as currently only little satisfactory. Then a translation and analysis follows of Cassius Dio's account of the settling down of Hermunduri in the territory of the so-called Marcomannis carried out by L.
Domitius Ahenobarbus sometimes around the turn of the eras. The account is dealt with in its full context (Hist.
Rom. LV, 10a, 1-3) and including the problems of preservation of the relevant passage of Dio's work and his dealing with his own sources.
Further, attention is focused especially on ambiguities of Dio's formulations and the therefrom following uncertainties about the course of the event itself, yet also on the details that, on the contrary, can tell more at least about the origin of the account. Finally, the accounts of other ancient sources are discussed that can help to shed some light on some points of Dio's one in question.