Ammianus Marcellinus and the Representation of Historical Reality (Cornell Studies in Classical Philology)
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.66 (820 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0801435269 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 304 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2016-11-13 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
Much 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. 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.. 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. Barnes here offers new grist for skepticism. Ammianus, raised as a Christian, became an apostate when Julian seemed to promise a return to traditional religion and values. He examines its structure and arrangement, emphasizes its Greek and pagan f
"The work is both original and accessibleAn outstanding feature of the work is Barnes's mastery of the scholarship, evident on every pageValuable to students and scholars at every level. 90, 2000 . A rare work of remarkable insight. The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, Vol. Frakes, Letters in Canada, 1998"This is a book with a message, in fact several messages, both seen and unseen. Highly recommended."Choice. Phoenix, 53:3-4, Fall/Winter 1999"Barne's investigations are a forceful reminder that alert skepticism is always needed when reading Ammianus."Michael Whitby, University of W