Problem
According to Dio's "Roman History" and his account of "The Rise of Septimius (LXXV. 1-9) and using in-text citations:
1. What roles do Cassius Dio and the senatorial elite play in these events? What do these roles suggest about the reality of senatorial power in the late second century? In what ways does Dio show the precarious position of senators during these events?
2. Does Cassius Dio present Septimius Severus as a "good" or "bad" emperor? What actions of the emperor draws Dio's criticism or praise? Do you find Dio's remarks on this subject valid?
3. Analyze the funeral ceremony of Pertinax. What symbolism do you see at play in the elements of the funeral? What were the messages that onlookers were supposed to draw from this display?
4. What role does the "supernatural" play in Dio's account? What does this feature suggest about Dio's worldview and his approach to historical writing?