Ammianus Marcellinus and the Representation of Historical Reality - Rilegato

Barnes, Timothy D.

Rilegato

ISBN 10: 0801435269 ISBN 13: 9780801435263

Casa editrice: Cornell Univ Pr, 1998

Riassunto

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. 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.

Su questo libro

Product Description:

Book by Barnes Timothy D

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Cornell Univ Pr
• Data di pubblicazione: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0801435269
• ISBN 13: 9780801435263
• Rilegatura: Copertina rigida
• Numero di pagine: 290