Roma capta! – Uwagi na temat relacji o zdobyciu Rzymu w 410 i 455 r. w dziełach wybranych autorów późnoantycznych

Abstract

In the presented article the author analyses depictions of sieges and capturesof Rome in the years 408-410 and 455 passed on by selected authors of Latin andGreek sources from the late antique. The scope of the research included sourcescontaining more extensive narratives, while sources containing only laconicannual information solely about the fact of capturing the city were rejected. Inthe depictions of the capture of Rome by Alaric in 410 the authors rather tendto seek supernatural reasons, and less often logical explanations of the origin ofthe events, contrary to the depictions of the year 455, where one can find almostexclusively rational justifications for the course of events, determined by politicalsituation. While discussing the events of the year 410 the authors oftentimescreate their own original digressions and allow for deviations from the historicreality. The relations about the year 455 are consistent and show only minor differences.Contrary to later opinions, the capture of Rome in 410 was not considereda gigantic tragedy outside Italy, although it was recognized as a breakthroughmoment. For the eastern historians these events are remote, taking place in landsfar from Constantinople and often their depiction is used to indicate the superiorityof the Eastern Empire over the Western Empire. Sacco di Roma by Genseric in455, which is referred more precisely and recognized as an element of significanthistory and politics of the East (Vandals corsair raids, Leo the Thracian’s expedition,recapturing Africa during the reign of Justinian I), is treated in an entirelydifferent manner.