Books by Aelian

Aelian's Historical Miscellany (Varia Historia) is a pleasurable example of light reading for Romans of the early third century. Offering engaging anecdotes about historical figures, retellings of legendary events, and enjoyable descriptive pieces, Aelian's collection of nuggets and narratives appealed to a wide reading public.

In On the Characteristics of Animals, Aelian (c. 170-after 230 CE) collects facts and fables about the animal kingdom and invites the reader to ponder contrasts between human and animal behavior.