Abstract:

A diakon in Bithynian Nikomedeia, who had a sarcophagus repaired, claims to be a de­scen­­dant of the “famous Cassii” (TAM IV.1 no. 368). It is argued that these were the Cassii to which the historian Cassius Dio from Nikaia belonged. His family is frequently attested in in­scrip­tions in this city and their first known member was C. Cassius Asclepiodotus under Nero and Gal­ba, who was the father of C. Cassius Philiscus. The latter’s contemporary relations include anot­her Asclepiodotus (his son or grandson) and a C. Cassius Chrestus. This Chrestus was a friend of the governor M. Plancius Varus, a second, but older Chrestus was priest of the imperial cult and sebas­to­phantes. Later, several consuls are known: C. Cassius Agrippa (?), the historian’s father, Cas­sius Apro­nianus, and his homonymous (great-)grandson. Finally, there is an undated P. Cas­sius Epi­genes. In sum, the fame of the Cassii was such that it could still be recalled in the Christian period.

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