Chronicles of the Late Roman Empire
An immersive exploration of the life, military service, and seminal historical work of a pivotal 4th-century Roman chronicler, Ammianus Marcellinus.
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The Man Behind the Annals
Birth and Demise
Ammianus Marcellinus was born around 330 AD, likely in Roman Syria or Phoenicia, into a family of Greek origin. His life concluded approximately between 391 and 400 AD. His native tongue was Greek, though he became proficient in Latin for his historical writings.
Soldier and Scholar
He served as a soldier and officer in the Roman army, gaining firsthand experience under Emperors Constantius II and Julian. His military career provided him with intimate knowledge of campaigns and the political landscape of the 4th century.
Origins and Identity
Identifying as a "Greek and soldier," Ammianus hailed from the Eastern Mediterranean. His background likely placed him within the middle class or a curial family, contributing to his perspective on Roman society and governance.
A Soldier's Perspective
Praetorian Guard and Beyond
Ammianus began his military service as an officer in the Praetorian Guard. He served in significant campaigns across the empire, including postings in Gaul and the East, notably under the command of Ursicinus.
Campaigns and Conflicts
He participated in expeditions against figures like Silvanus in Gaul and was present during the critical defense against the Persian invasion led by Shapur II. His firsthand accounts of battles and sieges, such as the Siege of Amida in 359, are invaluable historical records.
Witness to Retreat
Following Emperor Julian's death, Ammianus accompanied the Roman army's retreat to Antioch. He later resided in Rome, where he began composing his monumental historical work.
The Res Gestae
A Continuation of History
Ammianus' magnum opus, the Res gestae (Deeds Done), was a comprehensive history of the Roman Empire written in Latin. It aimed to cover the period from the reign of Emperor Nerva (96 AD) to the death of Emperor Valens at the Battle of Adrianople (378 AD), effectively continuing the work of Tacitus.
Surviving Fragments
Originally comprising thirty-one books, only the final eighteen books, chronicling the years 353 to 378 AD, have survived to the present day. These surviving sections form a cornerstone of our understanding of the tumultuous 4th century Roman Empire.
Vivid Accounts
His work is renowned for its detailed and often dramatic narrative style. Notably, Ammianus provided one of the earliest and most accurate historical descriptions of the devastating earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Alexandria and the eastern Mediterranean in 365 AD.
Manuscripts and Editions
Textual Challenges
The transmission of Ammianus' work through manuscripts has been fraught with difficulties. The first thirteen books are entirely lost, and the surviving eighteen books are often corrupted and contain lacunae (gaps). The primary source for almost all modern texts is a ninth-century Carolingian manuscript.
Printing and Translation
The first printed edition (editio princeps) appeared in 1474, but it was incomplete. The final books were published much later, in 1533. Early English translations were produced by Philemon Holland in 1609 and C.D. Yonge in 1862, with modern scholarly editions continuing to refine the text.
Historical Reception
Enduring Influence
Ammianus has been lauded and critiqued by historians across centuries. Edward Gibbon praised him as an "accurate and faithful guide" but found his style lacking literary flair. Ernst Stein, however, hailed him as a "greatest literary genius" between Tacitus and Dante.
Balanced Perspective
While often described as a pagan tolerant of Christianity, Ammianus was critical of both religious and secular figures when warranted. His work reflects a complex view of the late Roman world, marked by both admiration for Roman achievements and a clear-eyed assessment of its failings.
Key Notes and Observations
Religious Views
Modern scholarship generally views Ammianus as a pagan who maintained a tolerant stance towards Christianity, despite the religious strife of his era. He was critical of Christian sectarianism but did not base his criticisms on their faith itself.
Language and Style
Though a native Greek speaker, Ammianus wrote his history in Latin. His prose is noted for its rhetorical skill, which has sometimes led to questions about the precise veracity of certain accounts, though he aimed for impartiality.
Biographical Details
The following table summarizes key biographical information about Ammianus Marcellinus:
| Ammianus Marcellinus | |
|---|---|
| Born |
c. 330 Roman Syria, possibly in Ammia
(modern-day Amioun, Lebanon) |
| Died | c. 391–400 |
| Nationality | Roman |
| Occupation(s) | Historian and soldier |
| Notable work | Res gestae |
Primary and Secondary Sources
Original Texts
The primary source is Ammianus Marcellinus' own work, the Res gestae. While the first thirteen books are lost, the surviving eighteen books (353-378 AD) are available in various editions and translations, forming the bedrock of historical study.
Scholarly Works
Numerous academic studies and critical editions analyze Ammianus' life, work, and historical context. These range from early translations and textual analyses to modern interpretations of his military accounts, political commentary, and literary style.
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References
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Important Notice
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