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

The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus is a comprehensive historical account of the Roman Empire from 96 to 378 AD, written with a precise and analytical style reminiscent of classical historians such as Thucydides and Tacitus. Marcellinus’ work stands out for its meticulous attention to military campaigns, political intrigue, and social structures, offering a valuable insight into the decline of the Roman Empire. The book is rich in detail, with vivid descriptions of battles and court politics, making it a vital source for understanding this crucial period of Roman history. Marcellinus’ impartiality and critical approach to his sources provide readers with a balanced view of the events he describes. Ammianus Marcellinus was a Roman historian and soldier who served in the army during the fourth century AD, giving him first-hand experience of many of the events he recounts in his history. His background as a military officer lends credibility to his depictions of warfare and strategy, while his keen observation skills offer readers a unique perspective on Roman society and politics. Marcellinus’ dedication to accuracy and his commitment to preserving historical truth make his work a valuable resource for students and scholars of ancient history. I highly recommend The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus to anyone interested in delving into the intricacies of Roman politics and military affairs. Whether you are a seasoned historian or a curious reader exploring this fascinating period for the first time, Marcellinus’ narrative skill and insightful analysis make this book a compelling and informative read.

About the author

Ammianus Marcellinus, the esteemed ancient historian, is best known for his work ‘Res Gestae, ‘ commonly referred to in English as ‘The Roman History.’ His comprehensive account serves as a significant historical source for the period from the reign of the Emperor Nerva in 96 AD to the death of the Emperor Valens at the Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD, although only the books covering the events from 353 to 378 AD survive. Born between 330 and 335 AD, likely in Antioch on the Orontes, Marcellinus positioned himself as a participant-observer, as he was a former soldier in the Roman army. This status provided him with the insight and firsthand experiences that informed his work. His writing, intrinsically detailed and vibrant, offers an invaluable perspective on the political, military, and social facets of the late Roman Empire, albeit with the considered bias of a traditional Roman aristocrat. Marcellinus’ literary style, complex and often challenging due to his adherence to classical Latin in an age of linguistic transition, reveals a depth of education and carries a distinct rhetorical flair, reflective of the historiographical methods of his time (Matthews, 1989). His work remains an essential reference point for scholars studying the late Roman Empire, providing both a chronicle of events and a rich cultural and ideological tapestry of the era in which he lived.