The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus / During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and Valens

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

28587

Title

The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus / During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and Valens

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A definitive historical account of the Roman Empire's final century, this translation captures the reigns of emperors from Constantius to Valens. Ammianus Marcellinus offers an impartial, soldier's-eye view of military campaigns, barbarian incursions, and court intrigue, blending factual rigor with vivid descriptions of ancient life and customs.

Summary up to 500 words

Written by Ammianus Marcellinus, a former soldier and court official, this history chronicles the turbulent era of the Roman Empire from 353 to 378 AD. The narrative begins with the reign of Caesar Gallus, whose paranoia and cruelty led to mass executions and the persecution of innocents, driven by a network of sycophantic informers. The text details the relentless raids of Isaurian bandits and Saracen invasions in the East, alongside the desperate defense of Britain against Picts and Scots, eventually recovered under the energetic command of Theodosius. In Gaul and Africa, the work describes brutal barbarian attacks and the moral decay of the Roman Senate. A significant theme is the rise of military arrogance under Emperor Valentinian, who elevated soldiers' status while punishing common troops severely, fostering a culture of rapacity among officers. Ammianus provides invaluable ethnographic insights into the Scythians, Huns, Egyptians, and various Germanic tribes, offering clear-sighted independence to critique imperial excesses and superstitions. Despite some stylistic ornamentation, the text remains a primary source for understanding the geopolitical struggles against Persia and the Germanic tribes, as well as the internal decline that contributed to the fall of the Western Empire's stability. Gibbon praised Ammianus for his accuracy and impartiality, noting his ability to rise above contemporary prejudices. The work covers a period of 282 years, though the first thirteen books are lost, leaving the surviving text as a crucial eyewitness account of the late fourth century.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Classics
• History