Question

excerpts about asian tribe, the huns from roman history by roman historian ammianus marcellinus. the huns exceeded any definition of savage. they have compact, sturdy limbs and thick necks... although they shape... of human beings, they are so wild in their ways of life that they have no need of fire or pleasant tasting the roots of uncultivated plants and the half - raw flesh of all sorts of animals. this they place between their thighs backs of their horses and so warm it a little... huns are never sheltered by buildings, but... roam freely in the m woods, learning from their earliest childhood to endure freezing cold, hunger and thirst... huns are not well ad on foot but are almost glued to their horses, which are certainly hardy, but also ugly... like refugees, all without settlements, homes, law, or a fixed way of life - they are always on the move with their wagons, in which they unthinking animals, they are completely ignorant of the differences between right and wrong. fired with an o desire for seizing the property of others, the swift moving and ungovernable people make their destructive y pillage and slaughter of those who live around them. document analysis 1. who was ammianus marcellinus? 2. what words and phrases does ammianus use to describe the huns? 3. why might a roman historian like ammianus want to compare the huns to “unthinking ani 4. how does this excerpt/document help explain the decline of the roman empire? source: an excerpt of a historical text written by prius, roman ambassador to the huns, 449 c a conversation he had w/a former roman citizen whose land had been conquered he considered his new life... better than his old life among the romans, and the reasons he gave condition of roman subjects in time of peace is worse than war... taxes are very severe, and unp on others... a wealthy lawbreaker... is not punished for his injustice, while a poor man... undergo climax of misery is to have to pay in order to obtain justice... he said that the laws and constitu but deplored that the governors, not possessing the spirit of former generations, were ruining t document analysis 1. who was prius? do you think his description is reliable? w 2. why were some romans happy about being conquered by the huns? 3. what does it mean when they say the climax of misery is to have to pay for just 4. how can you use this document to help you explain what caused the decline source: edward gibbon, the history of the decline and fall of the roman emp note: it took the author 12 years to write this six volume

Explanation:

1. Ammianus Marcellinus was a Roman historian. His works provide historical accounts of his time, including descriptions of various groups like the Huns.
2. Words and phrases include "savage", "compact, sturdy limbs and thick necks", "wild in their ways of life", "uncultivated", "unthinking animals", "ignorant of the differences between right and wrong", "swift - moving and ungovernable".
3. He might do this to emphasize the threat the Huns posed to Roman civilization, to de - humanize them as a way to justify Roman actions against them, or to show the cultural differences between Romans and Huns from a Roman - centric perspective.
4. The excerpt shows the Huns as a destructive and aggressive force on the Roman Empire's borders. Their constant raids and pillaging could have weakened Roman economic and social structures, and contributed to the sense of insecurity and instability within the empire.

For Prius:

1. Prius was a Roman ambassador to the Huns. His description may be reliable as he was an eyewitness, but it could also be influenced by his own biases or the perspectives of the people he interacted with.
2. Some Romans were happy about being conquered by the Huns because the condition of Roman subjects in peace was worse than war, with severe taxes, unfair justice systems (wealthy lawbreakers not punished while the poor had to pay for justice), and governors who were seen as corrupt.
3. It means that in the Roman society at that time, the justice system was so corrupt that even the most basic right of getting justice required payment, which was a sign of extreme social and legal decay.
4. This document shows internal problems within the Roman Empire such as a corrupt justice system, heavy taxation, and bad governance. These internal issues could have made the empire more vulnerable to external threats like the Huns, and contributed to its decline.

Answer:

1. Ammianus Marcellinus was a Roman historian.
2. Savage, wild in their ways of life, unthinking animals, etc.
3. To emphasize threat, justify actions, or show cultural differences.
4. Shows Huns as a destructive force weakening Rome.
5. Prius was a Roman ambassador to the Huns. Reliability may be affected by biases.
6. Due to severe taxes, unfair justice, and bad governance in Rome.
7. Sign of a corrupt justice system and social decay.
8. Highlights internal issues making Rome vulnerable.