Primary Sources: written by people living at time or soon after Secondary Sources: Works of interpretation or analysis written long after the fact Important to read critically, with eyes open for agendas, biases, etc. Applies to both primary and secondary sources, as well as newspapers, TV, web sites, etc

Reading (Primary) Sources Context Who wrote this? Where and when? Was the author an eyewitness? Why was it written? To whom is it addressed? Who are they?

Reading (Primary) Sources Classify Source What sort of work is it? What is its purpose (stated or not)? Is it following a traditional structure or mould?

Reading (Primary) Sources Understand Source What are the key words? Meaning? What is the author’s point? What evidence is provided? What assumptions are made? What values are expressed? What problems are addressed? Context? What reaction is expected/hoped for?

Reading (Primary) Sources Evaluate Source How typical is the source? How widely did it circulate? Does it share views/values/ideas/arguments with others from period? Can you find other evidence to corroborate your conclusions?

Ammianus Marcellinus (c. 325-392 or 395) Born in Antioch, Syria. Of Greek descent, probably noble Joined army in his twenties. Served until death of Julian the Apostate, whom admired Pagan, but not fervently anti-Christian After retired, travelled, then settled in Rome after 378

Ammianus Marcellinus (c. 325-392 or 395) Spent rest of life writing Res Gestae a Fine Corneli Taciti (or Rerum Gestarum Libri qui Supersunt), history of Rome continuing work of Tacitus (c. 55-117) and covering years 96-378 (ending with Battle of Adrianople) Uses mix of eyewitness experiences and written sources

Theodosian Code (438) Theodosius II (r. 408-50) Best known for this, and building walls of Constantinople (412-14)

Theodosian Code (438) Codex Theodosianus Commissioned in 429 16 books, comprising over 2500 rulings from 311-437 Completed 437, promulgated 438

Salvian (Salvianus, c. 400-480) Born in Trier. Noble descent, raised Christian Married, but both he and wife entered monastery at Lerins c. 424 Ordained as priest. Renowned preacher and teacher of rhetoric Was priest in Marseilles by 430

Salvian (Salvianus, c. 400-480) Wrote several works. We have set of 9 letters and this work: De Gubernatione Dei Treatise on God’s guidance of history

Sidonius Apollinaris Caius Sollius Apollinaris Sidonius Born Lyons c. 431, Roman aristocrat, poet, diplomat, (eventually) bishop Member of ruling class, married to emperor’s daughter Served as prefect of Rome (twice), ambassador

Sidonius Apollinaris 472 Appointed bishop of Clermont 474 Clermont conquered by Visigoths. Exiled 476 Restored to bishopric c. 488 Death Panegyrics of 3 emperors, other verse, many letters incl. this one, written c. 465