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The Later Roman Empire

(a.D. 354-378)
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( 1,272 ratings, 48 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Later Roman Empire by Ammianus Marcellinus offers a meticulous account of the Roman Empire's history from 353 to 378 AD. Written by a former soldier, it provides rich insight into the military and political events of the time, alongside vivid depictions of Roman society and culture during a period of transition and turmoil. The narrative vividly captures the decline of Roman influence and power, making it a valuable resource for understanding this critical era.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by detailed and vivid accounts of historical events, particularly the intricacies of Roman history. Written by an eyewitness to many significant occurrences, it provides an engaging and personal perspective on the military and political life of the Roman Empire. If you enjoy primary historical sources that offer insight into the complexities of ancient civilisations, this work is likely to captivate you.

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A fourth century army officer recounts the history of Rome during the reigns of Constantius, Julian, Jovian, Valentinian and Valens.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Later Roman Empire is a historical account of the end of the Roman Empire, penned by Ammianus Marcellinus, the last great Roman historian. His writings hold a prestigious place alongside those of Livy and Tacitus.

This chronicle spans a period of twenty-five years during Marcellinus' lifetime, covering the reigns of Constantius, Julian, Jovian, Valentinian I, and Valens. It provides eyewitness accounts of significant military events, including the Battle of Strasbourg and the Goth's Revolt.

Marcellinus portrays a time of rapid and dramatic change, describing an Empire exhausted by excessive taxation, rampant corruption, the financial ruin of the middle classes, and the progressive decline in army morale. In this magisterial depiction of the closing decades of the Roman Empire, the seeds of events that would lead to the fall of the city, just twenty years after Marcellinus' death, can be discerned.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Later Roman Empire by Ammianus Marcellinus is widely praised for its rich historical detail and vivid narrative style. Reviewers often commend the author's ability to provide a comprehensive and engaging account of the later Roman Empire's intrigues and military campaigns. Ammianus Marcellinus, being a soldier himself, offers a unique insider's perspective, making this a valuable resource for both historians and history enthusiasts.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140444063

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 May 1986

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Andrew Wallace-Hadrill
  • Notes by Andrew Wallace-Hadrill

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 27.0mm

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 371g

Pages: 512

About the Author

Ammianus Marcellinus was the last great Roman historian, continuing the histories of Tacitus from AD 96 down to his own day. The first thirteen of his thirty-one books are lost- the remainder describe AD 354 - 378. Walter Hamilton translated Plato's Symposium, the Gorgias, Phaedrus and Letters VII and VIII for Penguin Classics. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill is Professor of Classics at Reading University. His books include Suetonius- the Scholar and his Caesars.

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