Ammianus Marcellinus: A Key Source for the History of the Later Roman Empire

Ammianus Marcellinus (c. 360 – after 408) was a Roman historian and soldier who wrote a history of the Roman Empire during the reigns of Emperors Constantius II, Julian, and Valentinian I. He is considered one of the most important sources for the history of the later Roman Empire, particularly for the period from 350 to 378 AD.

Ammianus was born in the late 4th century AD, likely in Gaul (modern-day France or Belgium), and served as a soldier in the Roman army. He wrote his history of the empire in Latin, and it survives in a single manuscript copy made in the 9th century AD. The work is known for its objective and critical perspective on the events it describes, and for its detailed descriptions of military campaigns and political intrigue.

Ammianus' history covers the period from 350 to 378 AD, and includes accounts of the reigns of Constantius II, Julian, and Valentinian I. He provides valuable information about the political and military events of this period, including the wars with the Persians, the religious controversies of the time, and the personalities and characters of the emperors and other prominent figures of the empire.

Overall, Ammianus is an important source for understanding the history of the later Roman Empire, and his work remains a valuable resource for historians today.