Scriptores Historiae Augustae

Rating:
Summary: "Essential Roman History"
Review: Volume one of the "Scriptores Historiae Augustae" begins with Hadrian's reign in 177 AD and ends abruptly at the close of Clodius Albinus' seat on the imperial throne in 197. This history, which is divided into three volumes, traditionally is believed to have been written by six different authors under the supervision of Diocletian and Constantine; so the authors undoubtedly were not contemporaries of the events treated throughout this work. Overall, since these biographies have sufficient historical content, and as a whole comprise one of the three other primary sources drawn upon for our knowledge of the times, it may be deduced with reasonable certainty that these biographies, though many times lacking connection and transition, correct chronology and overall cohesion, are a little more than what the editors have called "literary monstrosities." It is true, also, that nearly every letter and speech is fraudulent, and that several times the narrative is tragically doctored with fragmentary interpolations; however, in spite of this, these biographies are extremely important, and throw light upon an age that otherwise would have fallen into near oblivion. So, as history, these works are essential for students and accomplished historians alike.

Rating:
Summary: "Essential Roman History"
Review: Volume one of the "Scriptores Historiae Augustae" begins with Hadrian's reign in 177 AD and ends abruptly at the close of Clodius Albinus' seat on the imperial throne in 197. This history, which is divided into three volumes, traditionally is believed to have been written by six different authors under the supervision of Diocletian and Constantine; so the authors undoubtedly were not contemporaries of the events treated throughout this work. Overall, since these biographies have sufficient historical content, and as a whole comprise one of the three other primary sources drawn upon for our knowledge of the times, it may be deduced with reasonable certainty that these biographies, though many times lacking connection and transition, correct chronology and overall cohesion, are a little more than what the editors have called "literary monstrosities." It is true, also, that nearly every letter and speech is fraudulent, and that several times the narrative is tragically doctored with fragmentary interpolations; however, in spite of this, these biographies are extremely important, and throw light upon an age that otherwise would have fallen into near oblivion. So, as history, these works are essential for students and accomplished historians alike.