In his seminal work 'New History,' Zosimus offers a profound and detailed account of the Roman Empire during the late antiquity period, encompassing events from the reign of Emperor Augustus to Zosimus's own time. His narrative style is notably distinct, characterized by a blend of personal anecdotes, historical analysis, and moral commentary. Utilizing a critical lens, Zosimus stands out in the context of late Roman historiography, where a growing interest in the decline of Rome emerges, capturing the complexities of political instability, military conflicts, and societal changes that marked this era. Zosimus, a Byzantine historian of the fifth century, was likely motivated by the tumultuous political environment surrounding him. Living during a time of significant transformation and decline of the Western Roman Empire, his personal experiences and observations informed his critical perspective on the empire's governance and the fragility of power. His reflections can be seen as not only a recounting of historical events but also a cautionary tale infused with a strong awareness of the moral implications of leadership and the fate of civilizations. I highly recommend 'New History' to both scholars of classical studies and general readers intrigued by the complexities of historical narratives. Zosimus's work not only provides a captivating glimpse into the past but also invites reflection on the nature of power and legacy, making it a significant addition to the literature of antiquity.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Zosimus, a Greek historian from the late Roman Empire, remains an enigmatic figure in the annals of classical literature. Largely considered to have lived and composed his works during the late 5th and early 6th centuries, he is chiefly known for his seminal work, the 'New History' or 'Historia Nova', a historical account chronicling the Roman Empire from the reign of Augustus Caesar to the year 410 AD. Zosimus's narrative offers a pessimistic interpretation of the decline of Rome, differing sharply from contemporaneous Christian authors' views. His writing is peppered with references to earlier historians such as Polybius and Dio Cassius, indicating a meticulous albeit critical engagement with his sources. Lamenting the Empire's abandonment of traditional pagan practices, Zosimus's 'New History' provides a unique viewpoint that is invaluable to the study of the period's historiography, albeit his biases are evident. Scholarly debate continues to this day over his possible identity and background—some theorize he may have served as an official in the Eastern Roman Empire, given his detailed knowledge of bureaucratic procedures. Nevertheless, his exact life details remain shrouded in obscurity, merging with the fabric of history he sought to document. Despite this anonymity, his work continues to be studied for its narrative style, portrayal of historical events and figures, and insight into the socio-political dynamics of a fading empire.