Ch. 8. The Images of Young Tyrants: Representation and Reality in Herodian’s Roman History
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29173/histos68Keywords:
Herodian, Commodus, Caracalla, Elagabalus, Thucydides, autopsy, eyewitness, vividnessAbstract
Herodian’s Roman History engages with the tenets of ancient historiographic theory, particularly those set down by Thucydides. In general, he positions himself as a follower of these prescriptions, though particular eyewitness scenes strain the credulity of the reader. This paper explores Herodian’s depictions of young emperors in these scenes as a way to understand how his pushing the boundaries of ancient historiographic theory allows him to stretch the truth as a way to enhance the overall thesis of his work. Published in Andrew G. Scott,, ed., Studies in Contemporary Historiography (HISTOS Supplement 15), p. 191-217.
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