Description
Of Gothic descent, Jordanes wrote a unique set
of histories. The Getica narrates the
history of the Goths from their earliest origins until the middle of the sixth
century. Building on the lost history of Cassiodorus, it is the earliest
example of a history told from the perspective of one of the barbarian peoples
establishing kingdoms in the fifth and sixth centuries. It had great influence
on later medieval historians, on national histories of the nineteenth century
and on modern accounts of Gothic history. The Romana is a survey of world and Roman history. Whilst largely
dependent on traditional Roman histories and chronicles for events up to the
fourth century, it contains much unique information for the last two centuries
it narrates. This book offers the first translation into English of the Getica for a century and the first
modern translation of the Romana. The
introduction locates the Getica and
the Romana in the context of ancient
historiography, building a new picture of Jordanes as a historian and of the
two works themselves. It also offers a detailed discussion of the sources used
by Jordanes, suggesting possible ways to identify his debt to Cassiodorus.
Extensive notes guide the reader through these fascinating but often complex
texts.
'Jordanes may get less respect than any other well-preserved ancient historian. But nowthe inexhaustible learning of Lieve Van Hoof and Peter Van Nuffelen has made himhonourable amends. This volume is now the best and essential introduction toJordanes' work, while remaining eminently serviceable for use in classroom settings.'
James J. O'Donnell, Arizona State University