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History Forum / General / Ancient History / December 2004The Classical World and the Historians
The books I've read take a different tone with the classical world than other periods. While historians are quick to debunk the heroic pretensions of the Medieval Crusaders and British colonial masters, and expose the brutality they concealed, there seems to be many apologists for Roman imperialism. Historians are so taken in by the glamour of Rome, they ignore the horrors of the aggressive wars against and political oppression of dozens of barbarian races for the purpose of plunder and theft. They praise imperialism as an example of political and cultural vitality, or at least never condemn it as they would the crimes of the Medievals. Authors seem to fall into power worship of amoral supermen like Alexander the Great and Caesar (who boasted of slaughtering a million Gauls). Rome excused its behavior with the idea it was "civilizing" the savages, just as any colonial oppressor (like the British) did. Why does the romantic view preview? > The books I've read take a different tone with the classical world > than other periods. While historians are quick to debunk the heroic [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > it was "civilizing" the savages, just as any colonial oppressor > (like the British) did. Why does the romantic view preview? it doesn't. There are plenty of modern histories about that don't take that view. Indeed as in all things there are fashions and organisations such as the Roman empire are now being treated in a more compassionate light again Jim Webster I would say you've been somewhat unfortunate in your litterature.. Read the following authors (i'll write the titles where i can remember them) All those authors deal with the late roman period, except Peter Wells. Liebeschuetz ("Barbarians and Bishops), books by Averil Cameron, J.B. Bury, Roger Collins ("Early Medieval Europe, 300-1000"). Books specifically dealing with the decline of the roman army: Southern and Dixon ("The Late Roman Army"+"The Roman Cavalery"). Books dealing with the relationship between Rome and the barbarians in the early roman imperial period till about Trajan, i think: Peter S. Wells ("The Barbarians Speak"..and excellent book based on the newest archeological finds in "barbarian" Europe). About the relationship of barbarians and romans in late roman period: read anything by Burns (I cannot remember if the first is called "Barbarians and Romans" or "Romans and Barbarians", but there's definitely "Barbarians within the Gates of Rome"). I also recommend John Wacher's anthology "The Roman World". All above-mentioned books, except J. B. Bury, are written after the view you describe, prevailed. There are no ridiculous apologies, only explanations. None, except Bury really condemns or praises anyone. Bjørn Pedersen (if you want to comment on anything i've written, or have questions, just email me. I'm borrowing my parent's internet, seeing as i cannot afford internet right now, so i mostly use public libraries to check my mail.) > The books I've read take a different tone with the classical world > than other periods. While historians are quick to debunk the heroic [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > it was "civilizing" the savages, just as any colonial oppressor > (like the British) did. Why does the romantic view preview? hmmm...maybe saying that questions can be sent to an email address, begs the question: what email address? so: demothios@sol.dk on a side note, seeing as i won't have regular online access, you anyone mail me if they know of good internet message boards concerning ancient and medieval history (or just history in general). Bjørn Pedersen > The books I've read take a different tone with the classical world > than other periods. While historians are quick to debunk the heroic [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > it was "civilizing" the savages, just as any colonial oppressor > (like the British) did. Why does the romantic view preview? Are you living in a mudhut or in a room with lighting, heating and civilised amenities? If the former, you can complain legitimately about those who deprived those like you of their right to remain in mudhuts. If the latter, shame on you for biting the hand that feeds you. All the best, Roger Pearse |
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