| Abstract [eng] |
Ammianus Marcellinus was a fourth-century Roman historian, best known for his work "Res Gestae" (The Deeds), which covers the history of the Roman Empire from 96 to 378 AD. Born around 330 AD in Antioch (modern-day Turkey), Ammianus was a Greek-speaking Roman of noble birth who served as a soldier and participated in several military campaigns. His firsthand experiences in the Roman army, particularly under the Emperor Julian, provided him with valuable insights and a unique perspective on the events he later chronicled. Ammianus's relationship with Julian the Apostate, who ruled as Roman Emperor from 361 to 363 AD, was significant. He served under Julian in his Persian campaign, and his account of Julian's reign is one of the most detailed and comprehensive sources available. Ammianus admired Julian for his military skills, intellectual pursuits, and attempts to revive traditional Roman religious practices. Julian's efforts to restore paganism and diminish the influence of Christianity resonated with Ammianus, who shared a similar reverence for the classical Roman religion and culture. This admiration is evident in Ammianus's generally favorable depiction of Julian, highlighting his virtues and successes while showing a degree of sympathy for his failures and eventual death in battle. Ammianus's attitude towards Christians is complex and somewhat ambivalent. While not overtly hostile, his writings suggest a certain skepticism and criticism of the Christian community. He was a pagan by belief and viewed the rise of Christianity and its increasing dominance within the Roman Empire with concern. Ammianus criticized the internal conf-licts among Christians, particularly the doctrinal disputes and power struggles between di-fferent sects. He saw these divisions as detrimental to the unity and stability of the Empire. Moreover, Ammianus disapproved of the excesses and abuses of some Christian leaders, whom he perceived as hypocritical or corrupt. Despite these criticisms, Ammianus did not advocate for the persecution of Christians and often demonstrated a level of fairness and objectivity in his historical narrative. He acknowledged the contributions of Christian emperors like Constantine the Great and recognized the role of Christianity in shaping the contemporary Roman world. His primary focus was on the preservation of the Roman state and its traditions, and he judged indivi-duals based on their impact on the Empire rather than their religious affiliations. In summary, Ammianus Marcellinus stands out as a critical historian of late antiquity, providing invaluable insights into the Roman Empire's history during a period of significant transition. His relationship with Julian the Apostate reflects his admiration for traditional Roman values and his skepticism towards the rapid spread of Christianity. While his pagan beliefs colored his view of Christians, he maintained a generally objective and nuanced perspective, contributing to our understanding of this pivotal era in history. |
