The Roman History

...discourage us from vices, shape us toward virtue, and move us more powerfully, as they are closer at hand, and more thoroughly examined and certain. I will go even further: it seems that the history of Marcellinus Ammianus Marcellinus (c. 330 – 391 AD) was a soldier of Greek origin who wrote the Res Gestae, a history of Rome from Nerva to Valens. is written in a style that is, in a sense, philosophical. For his sharp, concise, and clearly military speech—constantly sounding like a trumpet-call original: classicum. This was the signal used by Roman buglers to call soldiers to assembly or battle. (as can be gathered from his frequent descriptions of battles, sieges, and court tragedies, in which he excels)—smacks of the harsh and thorny sayings of philosophy.

Yet his historical narratives, noble in their wonderful variety of events, glide into our minds without causing any offense and settle there with a certain sweetness. What could be more desirable for anyone than to look upon the most vast and ornate theater of the Roman Empire, and in the space of a few hours, see what occurred throughout the East and the West over the course of twenty-six years? To see, through the examples of others, what should be followed or avoided at home and abroad, and to become wiser and better through the misfortunes of others?

Furthermore, while experience of events contributes the most to prudence, experience itself requires a long span of time and a strong memory. Our own practical experience is gained only with great labor and sometimes even danger; moreover, it is quite limited, due to the shortness of our lives...