Goths and Romans 332-489
Understanding the Gothic Influence on Roman Decline
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Oxford University Press
Published:12th Dec '91
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£68.00(9780198205357)
This scholarly exploration delves into the interactions between Gothic tribes and the Roman Empire, focusing on the period from 332 to 489. Goths and Romans 332-489 offers valuable insights.
In Goths and Romans 332-489, Dr. Peter Heather provides an in-depth scholarly examination of the interactions between Gothic tribes and the Roman Empire during the tumultuous fourth and fifth centuries. This period marked a significant transformation in European history, as the Goths played a pivotal role in the decline of the Western Roman Empire. Heather meticulously unravels the complexities of Visigothic and Ostrogothic societies, illustrating how these groups evolved and established themselves as formidable powers in the aftermath of Roman dominance.
The author challenges the traditional narrative that has often relied on the Gothic historian Jordanes, who portrayed the Goths as pre-existing, cohesive entities that simply invaded Roman territories. Through a careful analysis of contemporary sources, Goths and Romans 332-489 reveals that the Visigoths and Ostrogoths were, in fact, emergent social formations that faced significant challenges during the Migration Period. Heather's research highlights the struggles these groups encountered, including internal conflicts and the pressures of adaptation in a rapidly changing world.
Ultimately, this scholarly work not only sheds light on the rise of the Goths but also emphasizes their intricate relationships with the Romans, which were instrumental in shaping the decline of the Roman Empire. Goths and Romans 332-489 is a vital contribution to our understanding of this critical historical epoch, providing readers with a nuanced perspective on the forces that led to the transformation of Europe during this era.
`an important contribution to our understanding of the entrance of the Goths into the Roman world.' J.H.W.G. Liebeschutz, University of Nottingham, Journal of Roman Studies
`another important and scholarly contribution ... It is indeed refreshing to read a good history of the fourth and fifth centuries written from a non-Roman point of view' Times Literary Supplement
'this lean and lucid book ... has an important contribution to make' James J. O'Donnell, University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr Classical Review 3.2(1992)
'Peter Heather's new study provides impressive proof of the sheer magnitude of Julian's misjudgement. The reader is well served ... by Heather's consistently careful attention to necessary details of chronology and geography.'
'Heather has written a learned ... book on the formation and migration of the Goths during the fourth and fifth centuries. There are fine maps and a comprehensive bibiography. Graduate; faculty.' K.W. Harl, Tulane University, Choice, Jan '93
'compelling re-reading of Gothic and Roman history ... Heather has written a masterful account of leaders trying to lead in difficult times as circumstances changed with amazing rapidity around them and when their future was not as clear to them as it now appears.' John J. Contreni, Purdue University, The Historian
'a substantial contribution to our knowledge and understanding of the Germanic newcomers ... a classic, on a par with those pioneering nineteenth-century analyses which first undermined the credibility of the Historia Augusta. H. tells a fascinating detective story - a genuinely gripping and exciting read of the sort rarely found in scholarly monographs - and he is totally convincing. Thanks to him, Gothic studies will never be the same again.' J.F. Drinkwater, University of Nottingham, Classical Review
'The book is carefully argued, nicely printed, and has good maps.' Steven Muhlberger, Nipissing University, The International History Review, XV, 2: May 1993
ISBN: 9780198202349
Dimensions: 223mm x 146mm x 26mm
Weight: 613g
394 pages