A condensed Roman history of non-Roman cultures. The abbreviated version of the lost "Philippic History" by (Gnaeus?) Pompeius Trogus, an extensive work in forty-four books covering the non-Roman world and its cultures from myths to Alexander the Great, the Hellenistic kingdoms, and Parthia, is attributed to Justin (Marcus Junian(i)us Justinus), whose details are unknown. Trogus's work complemented Livy's monumental history of Rome, highlighting high moral themes. Rulers and states lacking virtues such as moderation, justice, and piety harm or destroy themselves as well as their domains.

Justin, who worked between the late 2nd and late 4th century AD, did not create a strict epitome, but what he calls "a brief anthology." He freely selected with the aim of offering pleasant reading and moral lessons, while recalling poignant references suitable for rhetoricians. He combines Trogus's language with borrowings from the literature of subsequent generations. Justin's anthology became one of the most read and influential books of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, particularly concerning world history excluding the Roman, surviving in over 200 manuscripts.

This edition also includes the "Prologues," which are concise editions of Trogus by another editor, preserving many details that Justin omits or presents differently.