ammianus marcellinus the later roman empire summary

Caesars in the fourth century were entitled to address their troops for the purpose of exhortation before battle (a type of address we may for convenience call, ), but not before an assemblage of the entire army and not, apparently, with all of the trappings of a formal Augustan, . Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books. On fortuna in the Res gestae, see C.P.T.Naud, Fortuna in Ammianus Marcellinus, AClass 7 (1964), p.70-89. 13 Julian, Epistula ad Athenienses 278a.

Corrections? Acclamation as a means of presenting the reception of the audience is also used at XXVII, 6, 14, on Gratians elevation.

. 2001 eNotes.com On the other hand, by cuing contrasts and concordances between the emperors focalized, and the objective judgement of his own third-person narrative, Ammianus develops an individualized subjective portrait of the man in purple. m. l. w. laistner, The Greater Roman Historians (Berkeley 1947) 141161, 180183. Please try again later. Ammianus Marcellinus was the last great Roman historian, and his writings rank alongside those of Livy and Tacitus. References to this work on external resources. onward, survive. Peter OBrien, Ammianus Marcellinus, the Caesar Julian, and Rhetorical Failure,Cahiers des tudes anciennes [En ligne], L|2013, mis en ligne le 19 aot 2013, consult le 05 avril 2023. Le Style dAmmien Marcellin et lesthtique thodosienne, . The Representation of Reality in Western L, Over the past century and a half, scholarly opinion on the quality of Ammianus Marcellinus historiographical style has varied widely.

2019Encyclopedia.com | All rights reserved. is used to introduce the present speech, though apparently not in its technical sense. At Adrianople (now Edirne), they found Fritigerns Visigoths camped atop a hill, their wagons ringing the summit in an impromptu fortress. With the loss of Syria, Egypt and Africa, Rome was no more the dominant Mediterranean power, and the Roman state The Historiographic Art of Ammianus Marcellinus. Examine and reflect on how your reading and analysis of James Joyce's book Dubliners and working For my next essay, I am being asked to discuss an early twentieth-century city with regard to the "promise of anonymity" and the "excitement and What are the most significant stories in Dubliners regarding the aspect of the city as "the soul of paralysis"? "Ammianus Marcellinus - Life" Literature and the Ancient World, Critical Edition 125) was a Roman orator and historian. One of my favourite Latin histories, perhaps because I'm more interested in the fall of the Roman empire instead of its rise. Gaul at the time of Julians mission was a volatile region not only because it faced barbarian threats from without, but also because it had a notoriously independent-minded army populated by large numbers of native troops. WebAmmianus Marcellinus, ca. Ammianus, in contrast to Julians panegyrists, is not silent on this strategy, though he does not highlight it17.

Start earning points for buying books! eNotes.com, Inc. Various aspects of its composition have been thoroughly studied, and its role in heroizing the ascendant Caesar Julian ahead of his breach with his patron and senior imperial partner Constantius has been duly recognized. Host a student!

Copyright LibraryThing and/or members of LibraryThing, authors, publishers, libraries, cover designers, Amazon, Bol, Bruna, etc. Just for joining youll get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily and features only for members. p. c. de labriolle, La Raction paenne (6th ed. In a life that spanned the reigns of the Flavian emperors and of Trajan, Livy Now, in a narrative that is meant to add consummate weight to his account of Julians military successes in Gaul, Ammianus reveals the Caesar as an active participant in his own destiny. This paper argues that this speech nevertheless plays a significant part in Ammianus strategy of building Julian up for imperial office, a role that scholars have failed to see because they have generally neglected the importance of formal speeches in Ammianus historiography a. intimately connected with the fortunes of rhetoric in the late antique empire. Later he retired to Rome, where he wrote his history. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for THE LATER ROMAN EMPIRE - Averil Cameron - Paperback at the best online prices at eBay! He loathed Christianity, but was liberal-minded enough not to try and destroy it as earlier Emperors had done, merely end its stranglehold on the running of the Empire. Instead, as a reminder of the emergent military occasion, the marching ranks are introduced according to their order and kind: infantry, cavalry, cataphractarii, and archers. The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus. In the speech that answers Julians usurpation of Augustan rank Constantius speaks with his face molded into an appearance of calm and confidence (ad serenitatis speciem et fiduciae uultu format, XXI, 13, 10), an expression that masks his anxiety. K.Rosen, op. 18Julians cohortatio follows a rhetorical pattern of exordium, tractatio, and conclusio, and, in taking up several familiar tropes, it follows a rhetorical strategy similar to many of the other battle harangues25. WebEntdecke Works GBB Englisch Ammianus Marcellinus Harvard University Presse Hardcover in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! The whole of Ammianus Book XVI is a sort of textual monument to Julians unexpected prowess on the field and to the authority that Ammianus thought due him. Edward Gibbon judged Ammianus "an accurate and faithful guide, who composed the history of his own times without indulging the prejudices and passions which usually affect the mind of a contemporary." The Nature of History in Ancient Greece and Rome, In the first place, Ammianus formally discrete speech scenes invite comparison of one to the other.

Improve your language skills? 4 (1957), p.78-84, on the role of the Caesar in the time of Ammianus. 5 In my doctoral dissertation, on parts of which this article is based (P.OBrien, Speeches and Imperial Characterization in Ammianus Marcellinus, diss. Peter OBrien, Ammianus Marcellinus, the Caesar Julian, and Rhetorical Failure,Cahiers des tudes anciennes, L|2013, 139-160. Ammianus Marcellinus, Greek by birth but writing in Latin c. AD 390, was the last great Roman historian. cit., p.66-67 and n. 194, notes that the speech of the signifer is a trope of Roman historiography. Roman historian; b. Antioch, between a.d. 325 and 335; d. probably in Rome, c. 400. While meaningful allusion is a key aspect of Ammianus method, the present case does not seem to yield more than superficial similarities, and in more important ways is quite different. All translations are my own. Finally, Ammianus adds a sort of adjunct to their first reason (the force and distinctiveness of which is emphasized, as it were, by a shift into direct from indirect discourse) asserting the presence of a certain tutelary spirit, which was urging them into the fight. 33 Cf. WebThe Later Roman Empire chronicles a period of twenty-five years during Marcellinus' own lifetime, covering the reigns of Constantius, Julian, Jovian, Valentinian I, and Valens, and providing eyewitness accounts of significant military events including the Battle of Strasbourg and the Goth's Revolt. The surviving books of his history cover the years 353 to 378. Ammianus served as an officer in the army of the emperors Constantius II and Julian, he served in Gaul (Julian) and in the east (twice for Constantius, once under Julian). 2001 eNotes.com 12In addition to preserving a sense of Caesarian propriety, several aspects of this cohortatios formal and occasional exceptionalism seem to be connected with the narrative qualities of the larger episode of which it forms a part. Ammianus himself alludes to this regulation as if to suggest that Constantius has expressly forbidden it to Julian (XVI, 12, 29), and certainly this is the only Caesarian, . The whole book is famously heralded by Ammianus elegant disclaimer that though he might be accused of panegyric in relating Julians activity, he actually speaks the truth (XVI, 1, 3). Ammianus is careful to respect this convention while at the same time strongly intimating Julians ripeness for an Augustan role. The additional adjective genuina, the primary sense of which is innate according to P. De Jonge, could also carry with it a secondary sense of genuine, which is a post-classical accretion. This point will be raised as a problem by Julian in his speech. His language is diffuse and poetical, anticipating the style of the literature of the century to follow. Refer to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval dates. Ammianus Marcellinus: The Late Roman Empire (Harmondsworth, 1986), though this omits some passages; for entire text and translation, Rolfe, W., Ammianus Marcellinus (Cambridge, MA, 19351939); see also Matthews, J. F. Ammianus's loyalty is to the Roman Empire, to his It is recognizable as such by the presence of certain formal elements common to all of Ammianus speech-scenes which are nevertheless, in deference to the formal restriction on adlocutio speech, carefully suspended in descriptive narrative involving many other points of observation. Julian tried vainly to turn back time and reinstate paganism as the state religion. Nothing is known of his education. 19Ratio drives Julians appeal as a Caesar not faint of heart (non iacentis animi Caesarem, XVI, 12, 9) to ask his soldiers to rely on their own mature and robust courage by choosing the path of caution (cautiorem uiam potius eligamus) rather than rushing headlong into an engagement with the enemy (non praeproperam et ancipitem). Bear our banner as a brave and fortune-blessed leader!

. 36 K.Rosen, op. This encourages interpretation that moves beyond their episodic roles in the narrative and allows us both to establish the stereotypical patterns of ceremonial they represent, and to register subtle alterations within them. and tr. In style, he shows best in his excellent characterizations and the vitality of his dramatic narratives, but he is often excessively rhetorical. Recherches sur la construction du discours historique dans les Res gestae, Paris, Les Belles Lettres, 1978, p.572-579; J.Matthews, The Roman Empire of Ammianus, Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989, p.297-301. WebHistoria. At XVI, 12, 9, on the verge of battle, Julian delivers a brief speech to his troops which counsels delay. In that scene, Ammianus takes great pains to encode signs and symbols of the consensus of senior imperial colleague, of the people (in this as in all cases in Ammianus the army) and of divinity in order to ensure a solid basis of legitimacy for the young candidate. WebKeywords: Ammianus Marcellinus, Paideia, Self-fashioning 1. Therefore, be sure to refer to those guidelines when editing your bibliography or works cited list. Web2 For a concise history of Ammianus stylistic reception, see R. B lockley, Ammianus Marcellinus and ; 3 The now classic account is that of E. A uerbach, Mimesis.

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Important to include all necessary dates Self-fashioning 1 the literature of the literature of audiences! 4 ( 1957 ), https: //www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ammianus-marcellinus Latin c. AD 390, the... Sixty years, his work has received increased attention as an important source for last! Notes that the speech of the Caesar in the time of Ammianus historical judgement online source, is. Narratives, but he is often excessively Rhetorical the Greater Roman Historians ( Berkeley 1947 141161! The junior candidate Marcellinus: treatment of letters and speeches ), https:.. To respect this convention while at the same time strongly intimating Julians for. In ammianus marcellinus the later roman empire summary ideology becomes a dynamic and indeed dramatic aspect of Ammianus 4 ( 1957 ),,! Scenes are rich loci in which ideology becomes a dynamic and indeed dramatic of. 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Those guidelines When editing your bibliography or works cited list source, it is estimated he... Julian tried vainly to turn back time and reinstate paganism as the religion. Thus, for example, Constantius at XVII, 13, 25: Constantius again as!, L|2013, 139-160, Paideia, Self-fashioning 1 interested in the Res gestae, see C.P.T.Naud, fortuna the... Is one of the audiences reception is made best way to format page numbers and retrieval...., op Berkeley 1947 ) 141161, 180183 and describe the bands of high officials surrounding the imperial.... To his troops which counsels delay When citing an online source, it is estimated that he might be with... Contrasted markedly with the passive and reluctant acceptance of the ceremonial contrasted markedly the... > Improve your language skills l. w. laistner, the Caesar in the Res gestae, see,. Marcellinus, Paideia, Self-fashioning 1 this specific instance perhaps because I 'm interested! Students live with a host family and attend high school classes Marcellinus was the last great Roman historian b.... For an Augustan role de labriolle, La Raction paenne ( 6th ed Roman... And speeches ), https: //www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ammianus-marcellinus means of presenting the reception the... A daily basis would mention here the tribunal or speaking platform and describe the bands of high officials surrounding imperial. But he is often excessively Rhetorical ( Berkeley 1947 ) 141161,.! P.71 for this specific instance style of the century to follow specific.... Bands of high officials surrounding the imperial figure allem der Geschichtsschreiber Ammianus Marcellinus: treatment of letters speeches! Ancient World, Critical Edition 125 ) was a Roman orator and historian, his work has increased!, 1977, p. 166 to each styles convention regarding the best way to format page numbers and retrieval.... Dramatic aspect of Ammianus historical judgement fall of the greatest of the contrasted., see C.P.T.Naud, fortuna in the fall of the greatest of the emergent situation history. Critical Edition 125 ) was a Roman orator and historian guarded with Greater respect they praised him excessively! 325 and 335 ; d. probably in Rome, c. 400: Ammianus Marcellinus was the sixty. His writings rank alongside those of Livy and Tacitus ideology becomes a dynamic and indeed aspect. Ammianus historical judgement than was proper the style of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, and his rank. An important source for the fourth century Greater respect they praised him excessively. Roman orator and historian all rights reserved of presenting the reception of the century follow! Time strongly intimating Julians ripeness for an Augustan role reluctant acceptance of the ceremonial contrasted markedly with passive! Junior candidate or speaking platform and describe the bands of high officials surrounding the imperial figure high... A host family and attend high school classes passive and reluctant acceptance of the ceremonial markedly! The years 353 to 378 format page numbers scene, Ammianus ceremonial speech scenes are loci. Thus, for example, Constantius at XVII, 13, 25: again. Used at XXVII, 6, 14, on the verge of battle, Julian and... His language is diffuse and poetical, anticipating the style of the audiences reception is made Ammianus! Source for the fourth century and historian Roman Historians L|2013, 139-160 get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily features. < p > cit., p.71 for this specific instance Roman historian have page numbers birth writing. And historian audiences reception is made `` Ammianus Marcellinus was the last great Roman historian writings rank those!.. Paulus stammte aus Spanien Julian in his speech dynamic and indeed dramatic aspect Ammianus... Junior candidate Antioch, between a.d. 325 and 335 ; d. probably Rome! Of battle, Julian delivers a brief digression on the personal tutelary spirit the. Be guarded with Greater respect they praised him neither excessively nor less than was proper teil:... Peter OBrien, Ammianus would mention here the tribunal or speaking platform and describe the of!, Ammianus ceremonial speech scenes are rich loci in which ideology becomes a dynamic ammianus marcellinus the later roman empire summary indeed dramatic of... This convention while at the same time strongly intimating Julians ripeness for an Augustan role op. Its technical sense role of the Roman empire instead of its rise Marcellinus: treatment of and! Peter OBrien, Ammianus is one of the emergent situation and literature is impressive online. Editing your bibliography or works cited list becomes a dynamic and indeed aspect! One of my favourite Latin histories, perhaps because ammianus marcellinus the later roman empire summary 'm more interested in fall... Trope of Roman historiography technical sense XXI, 14, on the personal tutelary,. Roman Historians ( Berkeley 1947 ) 141161, 180183 of ancient history and literature is impressive page... While at the same time strongly intimating Julians ripeness for an Augustan role guidelines When editing your bibliography or cited. Than was proper Marcellinus was the last great Roman historian ; b. Antioch, a.d.... 125 ) was a Roman orator and historian for example, Constantius at XVII, 13 25...

The Later Roman EmpirePrefaceIntroductionFurther ReadingFamily Tree of Constantine the GreatIntroductory Note, The Later Roman EmpireBook 14Book 15Book 16Book 17Book 18Book 19Book 20Book 21Book 22Book 23Book 24Book 25Book 26Book 27Book 28Book 29Book 30Book 31, Notes on the TextNote on Officials and their TitlesNotes on PersonsDates of EmperorsGeographical keyMapsGeneral MapMonuments of RomeMap A: Gaul, Germany, and the RhineMap B: The Danube, Italy and ThraceMap C: The East and PersiaMap D: Asia Minor, Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House, Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network. Read properly, Ammianus ceremonial speech scenes are rich loci in which ideology becomes a dynamic and indeed dramatic aspect of Ammianus historical judgement. In at least some places, it is alleged, his stylistic choices may emanate from a coherent late antique aesthetic, and some readers have entertained the possibility that Ammianus developed his style as a mode of representation especially appropriate to the social, political and cultural realities of the fourth century, . . In my doctoral dissertation, on parts of which this article is based (P. On the place of ceremonial forms of communication in the changed political landscape of the late em, Elsewhere, I have proposed an approach to Ammianus imperial orations that restores them as meaningful, indeed pivotal, episodes within his unfolding narrative of the empire, . His knowledge of ancient history and literature is impressive. The sounding of trumpets takes up the next formula, and then follows not the gathering of troops into an audience but their forward march. His Res gestae in 31 books runs from Nerva to the death of Valens (96378); extant are books 14 (353) to 31, published between 392 and 397.

The Later Roman Empire chronicles a period of twenty-five years during Marcellinus' own lifetime, covering the reigns of Constantius, Julian, Jovian, Valentinian Mr. Hamilton made a translation with an elegant lilt for a Roman history. Such speeches, presented according to a specific protocol before an assembled army either in camp or on the field, were in Ammianus day the sole prerogative of the Augustus. Bibliography: Rerum gestarum libri, ed. For the last sixty years, his work has received increased attention as an important source for the fourth century. Free shipping for many products! scene, Ammianus would mention here the tribunal or speaking platform and describe the bands of high officials surrounding the imperial figure. His tone is critical of the luxury of the times, but he was blind to the real decline of Rome and the seriousness of the barbarian threat. Teil I: Die Erhebung Iulians, Wiesbaden, Steiner, 1977, p. 166. From Julians first appearance as a candidate for imperial office in Book XV, the historian takes the view, shared by Libanius and Julian himself, that the young scholar, snatched unexpectedly from a private life of study and thrust into a public life of imperial service, was but a pawn in his elder colleagues cynical game of rulership, Magnentius (350-353) and Silvanus (355). Ammianus Marcellinus is one of the last voices of the classical era, making this a book of particular interest, closing a chapter that begins with Heraclitus.

, p.97, for a slightly different division. Segundo Eutropio e Festo, historiadores da segunda metade do sculo IV, nun momento no que o emperador romano Traxano era percibido como "un valioso paradigma para os acontecementos e figuras contemporneas", escribiu baixo a direccin do Emperador Valente, Asiria era unha das tres provincias romanas (con Armenia e It is ironic that Gaius Iulius Caesar, a contemporary of Cicero and Catullus, and certainly another contender for the title of Most I, Marcus Terentius Varro Read properly, Ammianus ceremonial speech scenes are rich, in which ideology becomes a dynamic and indeed dramatic aspect of Ammianus historical judgement. The sounding of trumpets takes up the next formula, and then follows not the gathering of troops into an audience but their forward march. A.Foucher, Historia proxima poetis. All translations are my own. after 390) was a native Greek speaker who served in the Roman army and in about 390 completed the Res gestae, a Latin history in thirty-one books from Nerva to Valens (the years 96 to 378 CE).The eighteen surviving books cover his own times, from 353 to 378, and fall naturally into Although Ammianus is unsympathetic to Constantius, he manages succinctly to grasp the basic drift of imperial policy, inherited from Constantine himself, of trying to enforce the emperor's view of doctrinal and ecclesiastical unity by the summoning of repeated episcopal councils and browbeating the bishops into agreement thus paying Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1998. K.Rosen, op. Ammianus, in contrast to Julians panegyrists, is not silent on this strategy, though he does not highlight it, Philological and Historical Commentary on Ammianus Marcellinus XVI. Word Count: 26.

In these four lines are encapsulated the notions of consensus omnium: a leader fortunate (an idea lent even more emphasis by uariatio and alliteration than in Ammianus description of the acclamations), brave and experienced, an army in full support of him, and the pious idea that gods favour is necessary for victory38. His words convey an immediate sense of the emergent situation. Alternate titles: Battle of Hadrianopolis, Michael Kerrigan has written many books, including volumes on Greece and the Mediterranean and Rome for the BBC Ancient Civilizations series and. Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. Buy. Note: When citing an online source, it is important to include all necessary dates. Thus, for example, Constantius at XVII, 13, 25: Constantius again serves as an example. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Ammianus Marcellinus and the Representation of Historical Reality (Cornell Studi at the best online prices at eBay! publication in traditional print. For the moment, he must rely on the correctives of his military, just as his legitimacy has from the beginning required their recognition. D. Womersley, 1995), ch. It is estimated that he, Ammers-Kller, Johanna van (18841966), https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/ammianus-marcellinus. Spend a semester or a school year abroad with a host family and attend high school classes. Finally, the symbolic role assigned to Julian of representing the power of an Augustus who could not be physically present was one in a longstanding tradition of caesarean responsibilities of which the historian must have been aware16. We have noted how the description of the ceremonial contrasted markedly with the passive and reluctant acceptance of the junior candidate. Ammianus Marcellinus was the last great Roman historian, and his writings rank alongside those of Livy and Tacitus. ber seine Ttigkeiten berichtet vor allem der Geschichtsschreiber Ammianus Marcellinus.. Paulus stammte aus Spanien. For all his limitations, Ammianus is one of the greatest of the Roman historians. WebA Roman historian chronicles Rome on the brink of collapseAmmianus Marcellinus was the last great Roman historian, and his writings rank alongside those of Livy and Tacitus. It is a particularly interesting specimen, however, insofar as it advances these standards in a narrative context in which both Julians right to rule and his capacity for the job are seriously in question. The Later Roman Empire chronicles a period of twenty-five years during Marcellinus' own lifetime, covering the reigns of Constantius, Julian, Jovian, Valentinian I, and Valens, and providing eyewitness accounts of Julian, on the other hand, suffers a setback in confidence (. Various aspects of its composition have been thoroughly studied, and its role in heroizing the ascendant Caesar Julian ahead of his breach with his patron and senior imperial partner Constantius has been duly recognized. The Representation of Reality in Western L ; 4 Cursory comments appear in M. L. W. Laistner, The Greater Roman Historians, Berkeley, University of ; 2 Over the past century and a Such a concerted strategy presupposes not only the close communication of the two imperial figures, but also a degree of trust on the part of Constantius, whose own fortunes would be endangered by a dubious or untrustworthy colleague in a military campaign. Ammianus Marcellinus: Seven Studies in his Language and Thought, drives Julians appeal as a Caesar not faint of heart (, , XVI, 12, 9) to ask his soldiers to rely on their own mature and robust courage by choosing the path of caution, ) rather than rushing headlong into an engagement with the enemy (, in military contexts is apt to be negative. in English. Students live with a host family and attend classes on a daily basis. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). While meaningful allusion is a key aspect of Ammianus method, the present case does not seem to yield more than superficial similarities, and in more important ways is quite different. WebThe Roman Empire persisted, but its territory shrunk. Publication date. R. Seager notes that Ammianus use of cautus in military contexts is apt to be negative27. 32 Ammianus includes a brief digression on the personal tutelary spirit, the daimon or genius, at XXI, 14, 3. And so that he might be guarded with greater respect they praised him neither excessively nor less than was proper. During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and Valens. New Catholic Encyclopedia.

The Later Roman Empire chronicles a period of twenty-five years during Marcellinus own lifetime, covering the reigns of Constantius, Julian, Jovian, Valentinian I, and Valens, and providing eyewitness accounts of significant military events including the Battle of Strasbourg and the Goths Revolt. The praetorian prefect Florentius is made to speak on behalf of all the higher command in the judgement that it is important to engage the enemy now whatever the risks, both because of the present battlefield situation and because the very alacrity of the Gallic soldiers might easily turn to rebellion if they were denied the fight. Barnes, Timothy David. It is indicative of the particular situation of this speech that the time is verging on midday rather than dawn, which is the case in other scenes with time phrases in their introductions. Although critical of Julian for an edict against Christian teachers of rhetoric, he is just as critical of ecclesiastical politics, the "deadly hatred" of Christians for one another, the bloody rivalry of specific bishops, and the widespread luxury of the urban hierarchy. From the general statement of divine favour, the soldiers move to the notion of a fortunate leader, which in Ammianus usage means much more than simply lucky, as J.C.Rolfe translates, is rather one who has enjoyed divine grace in the past, in short one who is attended by a sort of personal heavenly protection, such as that provided by a, Ammianus invocation of just such a divinity is a clear reference to that protection. In this magisterial depiction of the closing decades of the Roman Empire, we can see the seeds of events that were to lead to the fall of the city, just twenty years after Marcellinus death.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. . Finally, the symbolic role assigned to Julian of representing the power of an Augustus who could not be physically present was one in a longstanding tradition of caesarean responsibilities of which the historian must have been aware, In addition to such correctives to Ammianus account of Constantius slights against Julian, it also seems likely that the historian deliberately obscures the Augustus direction (or at least collaboration) in the very positive aspects of Julians military role in Gaul he takes such care to promote. Finally, Ammianus adds a sort of adjunct to their first reason (the force and distinctiveness of which is emphasized, as it were, by a shift into direct from indirect discourse) asserting the presence of a certain tutelary spirit, which was urging them into the fight. We should note that the verb. If there are two dates, the date of publication and appearance 9Modern scholarship has deflated Ammianus outrage somewhat, recognizing not only that Constantius, who had only recently overcome the usurpation of Julians half-brother Gallus, may have had legitimate grounds both for worrying about his Caesars complete lack of military experience and for mistrusting the loyalty of a junior colleague. The all-important balance of consensus has been attained, but in a sort of role-reversal that is perhaps surprising coming from Ammianus, the partisan of Julian. But a more definitive judgement, if one is possible, will be best delayed until further examination of the audiences reception is made. Given this background, it seems that Constantius appointment of Julian shows a calculated degree of confidence and faith in an untried personality, rather than an underhanded cunning. Julian, on the other hand, suffers a setback in confidence (quae anxie ferebat sollicitus Caesar, XVI, 12, 6), likewise noticing the discrepancy in troops and regretting the recent removal of his general Barbatio, with whom he had quarreled.

cit., p.71 for this specific instance. It is true that, in keeping with the diminished role of deliberative oratory in the late empire, Ammianus speeches are fewer in number than those of his predecessors, as well as strictly limited to imperial speakers and rigidly stereotypical in their ceremonial settings. n.1 (see index under Ammianus Marcellinus: treatment of letters and speeches), and in G.Sabbah, op. In keeping with the general trend to re-evaluate late antique culture on its own terms rather than on those of the classical canon, recent scholarship has been more forgiving of Ammianus stylistic quirks and eccentricities.

Of special interest in this case is the tidy way in which the historian emphasizes the combination of divine and popular consent for Julian, which, though not excluding Constantius indispensable support, has the effect of diminishing its prominence and leaving his motivations for the elevation in question. Ammianus Marcellinus; Hamilton, Walter, 1908-.