Ammianus Marcellinus

Fourth-century Roman historian and soldier, author of the Res gestae.

Chronology: 330 – 395

Origins & Early Life

Ammianus Marcellinus, occasionally anglicized as Ammian (Ἀμμιανὸς Μαρκελλῖνος; c. 330 – c. 391 – 400), was a Roman soldier and historian who wrote the penultimate major historical account surviving from antiquity (preceding Procopius). Written in Latin and known as the Res gestae, his work chronicled the history of Rome from the accession of Emperor Nerva in 96 to the death of Valens at the Battle of Adrianople in 378.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Only the sections covering the period 353 to 378 survive. == Biography == Ammianus was born in the Roman Levant, possibly in Syria or Phoenicia, around 330, into a noble family of Greek origin. Since he calls himself Graecus (lit. Greek), he was most likely born in a Greek-speaking area of the empire. His native language was Greek, but he also knew Latin.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Ammianus began his career as a domesticus, where he gained firsthand experience in various military campaigns. He 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). He professes to have been "a former soldier and a Greek" (miles quondam et graecus), and his enrollment among the elite protectors domestic (household...

Source: Wikipedia