Citation with stable link: Philip A. Harland, 'Libyans: Dio Cassius and others on Domitian’s annihilation of Nasamonians (early third century CE),' Ethnic Relations and Migration in the Ancient World, last modified August 8, 2024, https://philipharland.com/Blog/?p=21266.
Ancient authors: Cassius Dio (early third century CE), Roman History 67.4.6-7, as summarized by Zonaras (twelfth century; link); Aristides (mid-second century CE), Orations 41.515 (Letter Concerning Smyrna) (link).
Comments: Both Aelius Aristides and Cassius Dio refer to this anecdote regarding emperor Domitian’s call for the annihilation of the Nasamonians in Libya. For earlier accounts of this people, see the account of Dionysios of Mytilene (third century BCE) as discussed by Diodoros (link).
Works consulted: M. Lavan, “Devastation: The Destruction of Populations and Human Landscapes and the Roman Imperial Project,” in Reconsidering Roman Power: Roman, Greek, Jewish and Christian Perceptions and Reactions, ed. Katell Berthelot (Rome: Publications de l’École française de Rome, 2020), 179–205, especially 196-197 (link).
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Cassius Dio (via Zonaras)
(67.4.6-7) Many of those subject to taxation by the Romans revolted when contributions of money were forcibly extorted from them. Among these were the Nasamonians (Nasamõnes). The Nasamonians massacred all the tax collectors and so completely defeated Gnaeus Suellius Flaccus, the governor of Numidia, who proceeded against them, that they even plundered his camp. But having discovered the wine and other provisions there, they gorged themselves and fell asleep. When Flaccus learned about this, he attacked them and annihilated them, even destroying all the non-combatants. Domitian was elated at this success and said to the senate: “I have forbidden the Nasamonians to exist.”
For Domitian even insisted upon being regarded as a god and took vast pride in being called “master” and “god.” These titles were used not merely in speech but also in written documents. . . [omitted subsequent account of the war on the Dacians].
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Aristides
I was thinking to myself how one of the old emperors [i.e. Domitian] – not of your house (may it not be!), nor would it be done by any of you – but that one of those former emperors was in the middle of playing a game, as it is told. He said in passing that he did not want the Nasamonians to exist, and so the Nasamonians were destroyed. Then I believe that I should reasonably expect in your case that if you purpose it and behave as you always do and only say and indicate that you wish Smyrna [Aristides’ hometown] to exist, quickly you will show all of us what we desire.
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Source of translations: E. Cary and H.B. Foster, Dio’s Roman History, 9 vols. (Cambridge, MA: HUP, 1914-27), public domain, adapted; C.A. Behr, P. Aelius Aristides: The Complete Works (Leiden: Brill, 1981), adapted under fair use provisions.