# Justin

> Roman historian, 2nd century

**Wikidata**: [Q210853](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q210853)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_(historian))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/justin

## Summary
Justin, also known as Marcus Junianus Justinus, was a Roman historian of the 2nd century CE, best known for his *Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus*, a condensed version of Trogus' monumental work. His writing preserves key historical narratives from the Hellenistic period and remains a vital source for scholars of Ancient Rome.

## Biography
- **Born**: c. 101 CE (exact place unknown)
- **Nationality**: Roman
- **Known for**: Authoring the *Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus* (c. 222 CE)
- **Field(s)**: History, historiography

## Contributions
Justin’s primary contribution is his *Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus*, completed around 222 CE. This work summarizes Pompeius Trogus’ 44-book *Historiæ Philippicæ*, focusing on the rise and fall of empires, particularly Macedon and the Hellenistic world. The *Epitome* is the sole surviving source for much of Trogus’ original text, making it indispensable for modern historians studying the post-Alexandrian era.

## FAQs
**Who was Justin?**
Justin was a Roman historian active in the 2nd century CE, renowned for his abridged version of Pompeius Trogus’ *Philippic History*.

**What is Justin’s most famous work?**
His *Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus* (c. 222 CE) is a condensed retelling of Trogus’ lost work, covering Macedonian and Hellenistic history.

**Why is Justin important to historians?**
Without Justin’s *Epitome*, much of Trogus’ original history would be lost, leaving gaps in our understanding of the Hellenistic period.

## Why They Matter
Justin’s *Epitome* bridges a critical gap in ancient historiography, preserving narratives that would otherwise be unknown. His work influenced later historians and remains a primary source for studying the political and cultural dynamics of the post-Alexandrian world.

## Notable For
- Authoring the *Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus* (c. 222 CE)
- Preserving key historical accounts from the Hellenistic era
- Being one of the few surviving sources on Pompeius Trogus’ original work

## Body
### **Identity and Background**
Justin, fully named Marcus Junianus Justinus, was a Roman historian active during the 2nd century CE. His exact birthplace and early life details are unknown, but his work places him firmly within the intellectual tradition of Roman historiography.

### **Major Work: The *Epitome***
Justin’s sole surviving work is the *Epitome of the Philippic History of Pompeius Trogus*, completed around 222 CE. This text condenses Pompeius Trogus’ 44-volume *Historiæ Philippicæ*, a universal history from the Assyrian Empire to the Augustan era. Justin’s abridgment focuses heavily on Macedonian and Hellenistic history, omitting Trogus’ broader geographical scope but retaining critical political and military narratives.

### **Historical Significance**
The *Epitome* is the only extant source for much of Trogus’ original work, making it invaluable for modern scholars. It provides unique insights into the reigns of figures like Philip II of Macedon and the Diadochi (Alexander the Great’s successors). Justin’s selective summarization also reflects Roman perspectives on Hellenistic power struggles.

### **Legacy and Influence**
Justin’s work was widely cited by later historians, including Orosius and Photius. While his style is often criticized for brevity and occasional inaccuracies, his *Epitome* remains a cornerstone of ancient historical literature. Without it, large portions of Hellenistic history would be irretrievably lost.

### **Alternative Names and Identifiers**
Justin is also referenced under variant names:
- Marcus Iunianus Iustinus
- Marcus Junianus Justinus Frontinus
- Marcus Iunianus Iustinus Frontinus

These aliases appear in scholarly catalogs and databases, reflecting historical and linguistic variations in his name.

### **Scholarly References**
His work is indexed under multiple identifiers, including:
- **Wikidata**: Q1076285
- **Library of Congress**: n82043687
- **VIAF**: 24616821
- **GND**: 11871435X

These references facilitate academic research and citation, ensuring his work’s continued accessibility.

## References

1. International Standard Name Identifier
2. CiNii Research
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Iustinus%20Marcus%20Iunianus)
7. CONOR.SI
8. Autoritats UB
9. CERL Thesaurus
10. Shakeosphere
11. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
12. Enciclopedia Treccani
13. LIBRIS. 2012
14. Dizionario di Storia
15. FactGrid
16. CollectieGelderland
17. Provenio
18. HMML Authority File
19. Digital Scriptorium Catalog