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Though I'm aware the author researched the Roman Empire, I wouldn't consider a 19th century fictional account a worthwhile source on the period.
by boomboomsubban 5y ago
Though I'm aware the author researched the Roman Empire, I wouldn't consider a 19th century fictional account a worthwhile source on the period.
- billfruit 5y agoIsn't Gibbon and Mommsen considered good enough sources on the Roman Empire still? Sienkiewicz is one of the most lauded Historical Novelists as well.
- boomboomsubban 5y agoDefine "good enough sources." Both wrote their histories in a way that pushed their worldview, it's incredibly difficult not to. Similarly, Sienkiewicz was writing a largely pro-Christian novel, an accurate analysis of Nero was never their aim.