Ammianus Marcellinus

The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus (eBook, ePUB)

During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and Valens
Übersetzer: Yonge, Charles Duke

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus," the author delivers a comprehensive chronicle of Roman history from the reign of Nerva (96 CE) to the death of Valens at the Battle of Adrianople in 378 CE. This monumental work, characterized by its rich, classical prose and meticulous attention to detail, exposes the complexities of Roman political and military life while also reflecting on cultural and social changes. Marcellinus employs a unique blend of first-person narrative and erudite commentary, placing significant emphasis on his contemporary events, thereby situating his account within a broader literary context that is both historical and philosophical, drawing parallels with earlier historians while also striving for greater accuracy and liveliness in his narrative. Ammianus Marcellinus, a Roman soldier and historian of Greek descent, wrote this work in the late fourth century, experiencing firsthand the tumultuous events he recorded. His background as a participant in the military affairs of his time and his exposure to diverse cultures provided him with a distinctive perspective on the decline of Roman power, articulating both admiration and criticism of its institutions and leaders. His deep understanding of historical sources and previous authors informs his approach, marking him as a pivotal figure in the transition from classical to medieval historiography. "The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus" is essential reading for anyone interested in the intricacies of Roman history and the complexities of human nature as depicted through time. Scholars and enthusiasts alike will appreciate Marcellinus's candid observations and critiques, making it not only a historical account but also a reflection on the enduring themes of power, morality, and the fragility of civilization.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 598
• Erscheinungstermin: 19. November 2019
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4057664128874
• Artikelnr.: 58435461

Autorenporträt

Ammianus Marcellinus, the esteemed ancient historian, is best known for his work 'Res Gestae,' commonly referred to in English as 'The Roman History.' His comprehensive account serves as a significant historical source for the period from the reign of the Emperor Nerva in 96 AD to the death of the Emperor Valens at the Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD, although only the books covering the events from 353 to 378 AD survive. Born between 330 and 335 AD, likely in Antioch on the Orontes, Marcellinus positioned himself as a participant-observer, as he was a former soldier in the Roman army. This status provided him with the insight and firsthand experiences that informed his work. His writing, intrinsically detailed and vibrant, offers an invaluable perspective on the political, military, and social facets of the late Roman Empire, albeit with the considered bias of a traditional Roman aristocrat. Marcellinus' literary style, complex and often challenging due to his adherence to classical Latin in an age of linguistic transition, reveals a depth of education and carries a distinct rhetorical flair, reflective of the historiographical methods of his time (Matthews, 1989). His work remains an essential reference point for scholars studying the late Roman Empire, providing both a chronicle of events and a rich cultural and ideological tapestry of the era in which he lived.