Between Narrativity, Memory, and Administration: Lists in Roman Historiography

Abstract

AbstractThis contribution examines the function of lists in Roman historiography. It considers passages from Cicero’s rhetorical works (on the Annales Maximi), Tacitus’ Histories, the emperor Augustus’ Res Gestae, and Gregory of Tours’ Historia Francorum. The relationship of lists and narrativity is the central focus of the investigation. Moreover, it sheds light on the medium of writing that is crucial for the lists under consideration, the role of bureaucracy and administration, and the entanglement of list-keeping and political and religious power.