The historian Eutropius (fl. 4th century) is best known for his ten-book collection detailing the history of Rome from its start through to the death of the emperor Jovian in 364 AD. Besides writing a concise history, he also served in government, advancing to some of the highest offices in the State, under several different Roman emperors.

Not much has been written about the early life of Eutropius. There is even disagreement concerning his origins. Some historians credit him as a native of Burdigala (Bordeaux) in Gaul, where others say he was of Italian origin. Regardless of his origin, it appears that Eutropius enjoyed the benefit of a rhetorical or sophistic education. This would prove beneficial for his later work, Breviarium ab Urbe Condita, a sweeping yet detailed survey of Roman history.

Eutropius held several public offices during his career, many of them illustrious and powerful. These gave him...