Ammianus and Theodosius I concerning the Barbarica Conspiratio

Abstract

Through this paper, the author deals with the troubling historical episode known as the Barbarica Conspiratio that, in brief, implied a brutal barbarian attack by sea played by Picts, Scots, Saxons and Franks on the shores of continental Gaul and mainly on Britannia. Dr. Álvarez-Jiménez approaches this subject from a close analysis on Ammianus Marcellinus’ narrative and particularly on the historian relationship with the later emperor Theodosius I, who was the son of Theodosius the Elder, the general in charge of recovering the British provinces to the Roman dominance.