Authoritarianism, Autonomy and Ammianus Marcellinus

Abstract

According to Ammianus, it was envy of the exploits of Gratian and anxiety to equal them that drove Valens to engage the Goths at Adrianople in 378 before Gratian could arrive. The quality of the intelligence Valens received about the numbers of the Gothic forces was poor but he was inclined to believe it because it suited his wish. At a meeting with senior officers he sided with those who argued against waiting for Gratian's army, encouraged, it is said, by courtiers who pandered to his desire to monopolise ttye glory of victory. Weakened by hunger, fatigue and heat, and incompetentfy led, the Roman soldiers mostly fought with courage and tenacity until overwhelmed and massacred by the barbarians. They were victims, apparently, of their leader's irrationality, vanity and insecurity.Norman Dixon has adduced authoritarianism as a major factor in military incompetence. Ammianus, product of an overwhelmingly authoritarian society, provides a detailed record of Roman history in the third quarter of the fourth century. Understanding of Rome's civil and military performance in that age and of the author could be enhanced by examination of the authoritarian syndrome.