It almost entirely consists of shortened summaries of classical histories. The text draws extensively on the texts of Josephus and Cassius Dio. Zonaras's text beginsZonaras, John. ELIZABETH JEFFREYS. John Zonaras (died after 1159 CE) held high office under Alexios I Komnenos (reigned. 1081–1118) but lost his position 3 Zonaras' comments here may have been influenced by Josephus' similar claims at the beginning of the Jewish Antiquities (AJ, 1.8-9). For the convention, see The Historian John Zonaras: Some Observations on his Sources and Methods [in Devillers, O. and Sebastiani, B. (edd), Sources et modeles des historiens Aug 16, 2016 - Oct 26, 2013 - and now presented in English form. Mar 1, 2009 03/09. by Cassius Dio Cocceianus; Foster, Herbert Baldwin, 1874-1906, tr; Zonaras, Joannes, 12th cent. texts Jul 4, 2015 - Apr 21, 2008 -