Why Dio was not able to relate in detail the history of the reign of Alexander (chapter 1). About Ulpian, Pretorian Prefect, and his death (chapter 2). Undertakings of Artaxerxes the Persian against the Parthians and Romans (chapters 3, 4). Dio's second consulship, his return to his own country, and conclusion of the History (chapter 5). DURATION OF TIME. Duration of time eight years, in which the following are enumerated as consuls. Antoninus Elagabalus (IV), M. Aurelius Severus Alexander Coss. (A.D. 222 = a.u. 975 = First of Alexander, from March 11th.) L. Marius Maximus (II), L. Roscius Ælianus. (A.D. 223 = a.u. 976 = Second of Alexander.) Iulianus (II), Crispinus. (A.D. 224 = a.u. 977 = Third of Alexander.) Fuscus (II), Dexter. (A.D. 225 = a.u. 978 = Fourth of Alexander.) Alexander Aug. (II), C. Marcellus Quintilianus (II). (A.D. 226 = a.u. 979 = Fifth of Alexander.) Lucius Albinus, Max. Æmilius Æmilianus. (A.D. 227 = a.u. 980 = Sixth of Alexander.) T. Manilius Modestus, Ser. Calpurnius Probus. (A.D. 228 = a.u. 981 = Seventh of Alexander.) Alexander Aug. (III), Cassius Dio (II). (A.D. 229 = a.u. 982 = Eighth of Alexander.) [Sidenote: A.D. 222-229 (_a.u._ 975-982)] [Sidenote:--1--] Alexander became emperor immediately after him [and at once proclaimed Augusta, his own mother, Mammæa, who had in hand the administration of affairs and gathered wise men about her son, that by their guidance he might be duly trained in morals; and she chose out of the senate the better class of counselors, to whom she communicated everything that had to be done]. He entrusted to one Domitius Ulpianus the command of the Pretorians and the remaining business of the empire.--These matters I have set down in detail, so far as I was able, in each case, but of the rest I have not found it feasible to give a detailed account, for the reason that for a long time I did not sojourn in Rome. After going from Asia to Bithynia I fell sick, and from there I hurried to my duties as head of Africa. On returning to Italy I was almost immediately sent to govern in Dalmatia and from there into Upper Pannonia. After that I came back to Rome and on reaching Campania at once set out for home. [Sidenote:--2--] For these reasons, then, I have not been able to compile an account of what follows similar to that which precedes. I will narrate briefly, however, all the things that were done up to the time of my second consulship.