The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus During the Reigns of the Emperors Constantius, Julian, Jovianus, Valentinian, and Valens

** "The Roman History of Ammianus Marcellinus" by Ammianus Marcellinus is a historical record from the latter part of the 300s that explores the Roman Empire from A.D. 96 to A.D. 378, or from Nerva to Valens' death. Told from the perspective of someone who was both a soldier and a recorder of events, the book gives deep understandings of how the empire was run, the battles for power, and the good and bad traits of the people in charge and those they ruled. This part of the history paints a picture of the time of Emperor Constantius and then shows how his nephew, Cæsar Gallus, came to power, pointing out how violent and unfair Gallus’s time as ruler was. It explains how Gallus, pushed by his power-hungry wife, hurt many people, killing the innocent and the guilty without reason. Also, the tale shows the problems with the people and the military in different areas, like attacks by the Isaurians and Saracens, hinting at the fights that will happen because of power struggles and trouble among the people. The story creates a feeling of doubt and coming trouble, showing the risks of wanting too much power and how easily political power in the Roman Empire could change. **