Ch. 8. The Images of Young Tyrants: Representation and Reality in Herodian’s Roman History

Authors

  • Andrew G. Scott

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/histos68

Keywords:

Herodian, Commodus, Caracalla, Elagabalus, Thucydides, autopsy, eyewitness, vividness

Abstract

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.

Downloads

Published

2023-01-01

How to Cite

Scott, Andrew G. 2023. “Ch. 8. The Images of Young Tyrants: Representation and Reality in Herodian’s Roman History”. Histos, January, 191-217. https://doi.org/10.29173/histos68.