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erinaries's review against another edition
as ancient histories go this was actually really good
david_rhee's review against another edition
3.0
Ammianus Marcellinus cannot be called one of the better known Greek historians but his unique point of view as a soldier in the Roman army gives us a valuable look into the 4th century Roman Empire. From the reigns of Constantius to Valens, the legions are stretched thin across and around a border seemingly without end. Hordes of barbarians constantly ignite into defiant revolt along the west. The Persians maintain a consistent push into the eastern lands. And within, where is found arguably the gravest threat, hypersurveillance and intrigue rage unchecked among court officials and informers. It is understandable that a soldier's history would highlight war (duh) and the horrors of betrayals and treachery. After all, a man occupied in maintaining and restoring order would naturally be attentive to, you know, disorder. For this reason, we only get to see, for example, how great a military commander Julian was, and we don't get any insight into his famous contributions to jurisprudence. That's probably nitpicky and ungrateful. This is still a rare look into a corner of history not easy to come by.
chantaal's review against another edition
3.0
Surprisingly readable and not as dry as many other ancient sources I've read lately.
udykumra's review against another edition
5.0
The greatest of the Roman historians. This dude describes some stuff that's absolutely insane and Roman history literally jumps off the pages. Ammianus Marcellinus is awesome.
ophelia's review
4.0
Some absolutely hilarious entries, particularly Book 28, Chapter 4 on the vices of Roman Society. A wonderful chronicle of the later Roman Empire, with scathing reviews of all Emperors and generals throughout.
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