Ammianus Marcellinus and the Representation of Historical Reality Hardback
by Timothy D. Barnes
Part of the Cornell Studies in Classical Philology series
Hardback
Description
The Townsend LecturesMuch of what we know today of Rome in the fourth century has its source in Res Gestae, the sole surviving work of the historian Ammianus Marcellinus.
The accuracy of Ammianus' reporting has come under question over the past fifty years, however, and Timothy D.
Barnes here offers new grist for skepticism. This is the first book on Ammianus to place equal emphasis on the literary and historical aspects of his writing.
Barnes assesses Ammianus' depiction of historical reality by investigating the Res Gestae's strengths and weaknesses, as well as its literary qualities.
He examines its structure and arrangement, emphasizes its Greek and pagan features, and points out the extent to which Ammianus drew on his imagination in shaping the narrative. Ammianus, raised as a Christian, became an apostate when Julian seemed to promise a return to traditional religion and values.
In Res Gestae, he expressed strongly held views, often in vivid and extreme language.
Barnes explores the historian's biases and personal prejudices, documenting seemingly intentional distortions and demonstrating that Ammianus advanced a pessimistic and anti-Christian interpretation of the Roman Empire.
Information
-
Available to Order - This title is available to order, with delivery expected within 2 weeks
- Format:Hardback
- Pages:312 pages
- Publisher:Cornell University Press
- Publication Date:24/09/1998
- Category:
- ISBN:9780801435263
Information
-
Available to Order - This title is available to order, with delivery expected within 2 weeks
- Format:Hardback
- Pages:312 pages
- Publisher:Cornell University Press
- Publication Date:24/09/1998
- Category:
- ISBN:9780801435263
