Ammianus Marcellinus and the Representation of Historical Reality

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.

"The work is both original and accessible. . . An outstanding feature of the work is Barnes's mastery of the scholarship, evident on every page. . . Valuable to students and scholars at every level. A rare work of remarkable insight. Highly recommended."—Choice. July/August, 1999, "A provocative study that deserves the attention of students of historiography and the fourth century."—Bradley P. Nystrom, Religious Studies Review. October, 1999, "An enjoyable and valuable book, always stimulating and right more often than not, to be welcomed by all with a serious interest in the author and the period."—Bryn Mawr Classical Review, "Readable and provocative. . . Barnes's book should be of great use to those interested in historiography as well as in the later Roman Empire."—Robert M. Frakes, Letters in Canada, 1998, "This is a book with a message, in fact several messages, both seen and unseen. It is written from a conviction and is therefore revealing of the author as well as about his chosen subject."—Averil Cameron, Keble College, Oxford. Phoenix, 53:3-4, Fall/Winter 1999

Timothy D. Barnes is Professor of Classics at the University of Toronto. Among his other books is Tertullian: A Historical and Literary Study.