Analysis of ancient source material

Analysis of Ancient Source Material

Understanding Ancient Sources

  • Ancient sources play an important role in helping us interpret and understand the Roman civilisation.
  • These sources can be literary like poems, plays, histories, or visual artworks like sculptures, frescos, mosaics.
  • Understanding the context of these sources is crucial for accurate interpretation. Consider who created it, why, and for whom.

Approaching Literary Sources

  • Literary sources can provide direct insight into the beliefs, attitudes, and values of Roman society.
  • Consider the author’s perspective. Who were they, what was their social status and how might these factors have shaped their viewpoint?
  • Bias is often present in historical sources. Be alert to exaggeration, omission, or distortion of facts.
  • Remember that some genres, like plays and poems, may use symbolic or metaphorical language. Direct translation may not always represent the full meaning.

Approaching Material Sources

  • Material culture, like sculpture or architecture, provides a non-textual view into the Roman world.
  • Carefully examine the iconography. What images, symbols, or patterns are used and what was their significance in Roman culture?
  • Consider functionality. Was the object decorative, practical, religious, or political?
  • Reflect on the reception and context. Where was it located? Who would have seen it and what message/s were being conveyed?

Critiquing Methods and Evidence

  • Be aware that our own biases and cultural background can influence the way we interpret ancient sources.
  • Some ancient sources have been damaged or partially destroyed over time and this can skew interpretations.
  • Often ancient sources only represent the views or experiences of a small section of Roman society, usually the elite. The voices of women, slaves and the poor can be underrepresented.
  • Cross-reference sources where possible to gain a more balanced understanding of the past. If a fact or event is mentioned in multiple, independent sources, it’s more likely to be credible.
  • Remember that the absence of evidence is not necessarily evidence of absence. Just because a source doesn’t mention something doesn’t mean it didn’t exist or didn’t happen.