Ammianus Marcellinus and the Representation of Historical Reality (Cornell Studies in Classical Philology, Vol 56)

Timothy David Barnes / Hardcover / Published 1998 

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.

Late Roman World and its Historian: Interpreting Ammianus Marcellinus

David Hunt(Editor), Jan Willem Drijvers (Editor) / Library Binding / Published 1999

Ammianus Marcellinus (300)

Ammianus, et al / Hardcover / Published 1985

 

Ammianus Marcellinus : Books Xx-Xxvi

J.C. Rolfe(Editor), Marcellinus Ammianus / Hardcover / Published 1940

Amminaus Marcellinus : Books Xxvii-Xxxi

Marcellinus Ammianus, J. C. Rolfe (Translator) / Hardcover / Published 1940

The Later Roman Empire : A.D. 354-378 (Penguin Classics) 

Ammianus Marcellinus, et al / Paperback / Published 1995

  Res Gestae Divi Augusti

Augustus, et al / Paperback / Published 1967   --  Reader Gingras writes: "Brunt's text of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti is by far and away the most useful for the advanced undergraduate history student with no Latin background, or Latin students with an interest in epigraphy and the history of one of the greatest propagandists ever. Brunt's text is clear, well-organized, useful and thoughtful -- as one would expect given his scholarly stature in the field. But his explanatory notes, his introduction and the level of historical background he presupposes in his audience make his version of this revealing and important inscription perfect for graduate and undergraduate students alike. These notes, introduction and index do not just help the student to read the text; they also help students to place this laundered version of Octavian's (aka Augustus) rise to power in its historical, political, epigraphical and literary contexts"

Velleius Paterculus : Res Gestae Divi Augusti 

Paterculus Velleius, Velleius Paterculus / Hardcover / Published 1966
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Philological and Historical Commentary on Ammianus Marcellinus XX

J. Boeft, et al / Hardcover / Published 1987

Philological and Historical Commentary on Ammianus Marcellinus Xxii

J. Den Boeft, et al / Hardcover / Published 1995

Philological and Historical Commentary on Ammianus Marcellinus, Xxi

J. Den Boeft, et al / Hardcover / Published 1991

Roman Empire of Ammianus Marcellinus

John Matthews / Hardcover / Published 1989

consider these also:

• History of the Later Roman Empire : From the Death of Theodosius I to the Death of Justinian; John B. Bury
• Rome and the Mediterranean : Books Xxxi-Xlv of the History of Rome from Its Foundation; Titus Livius, et al
• The Origins of War : From the Stone Age to Alexander the Great (History & Warfare); Arther Ferrill
• Plutarch on Sparta (Penguin Classics); Richard J.A. Talbert(Translator)
• Rome : An Oxford Archaeological Guide (Oxford Archaeological Guides); Amanda Claridge, et al
• Augustan Culture : An Interpretive Introduction; Karl Galinsky
• Blue Guide Rome (Blue Guides); Alta MacAdam
• The Roman Empire; C. M. Wells