Historian in the service of the fatherland: On the role of Publius Herennius Dexippus in the events of 267/268 AD

• Published in: RUDN Journal of World History
• Main Author: Alexander V. Makhlaiuk
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) 2025-01-01
• Subjects: athenian historian dexippus; scythian history; scythica vindobonensia; herulian invasion; athens; the third century crisis; historiography
• Online Access: https://journals.rudn.ru/world-history/article/viewFile/46287/25499

The study examines the debates about the role of the 3rd century AD Athenian historian Publius Herennius Dexippus in repelling the Herulian invasion in 267/268 AD. Based on a review of the known evidence about the life and work of Dexippus, and taking into account the recently discovered new fragments of his “Scythian History”, the author critically evaluates the views of skeptics who deny the role of Dexippus as one of the leaders in the struggle against the barbarians. Based primarily on ex silentio arguments or textual criticism, these opinions cannot be completely convincing. They do not take into account the general direction of Dexippus’s historiographical work, permeated with the ideals of Greek patriotism, which, undoubtedly, was an important factor in the active involvement of the Hellenes and their leaders in the defense against the barbarians in conditions when the imperial power did not have sufficient forces to cope with all the threats. It seems convincing that the Athenian historian, who possessed both administrative experience and authority among his fellow citizens, could well be the leader to take upon himself the organization of armed resistance, like other members of Greek urban elites.