AGATHIAS ON ITALY, ITALIANS AND THE GOTHIC WAR

Abstract

This article examines Agathias of Myrina’s presentation of Italy, Italians, and the Gothic War. His pres- entation of these subjects is framed around the historical methodology outlined in his preface, which is centered on truth and edification. I argue that he presents the civilian population of Italy as a category distinct from both Romans and barbarians. He does so in order to advance an argument about the dev- astating consequences of warfare throughout the peninsula during the Gothic War. He also provides moral instruction to his readers about the negative effects of unjust wars, and he offers a veiled critique of Justinian’s wars of conquest in this context. I position Agathias as a valuable, insightful source for sixth-century Italian history and cultural change at the time.