1. 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

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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 ) and covering
years (ending with Battle of
Adrianople)
Uses mix of eyewitness experiences and written
sources

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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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