ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the different layers of the Chronicle of Hydatius – bishop of the bustling Galician town of Aquae Flaviae for more than 40 years – and the apocalyptic thinking of the author visible in them. Hydatius explained the fundamental political changes of his time in the light of prophecies from the Old Testament, interpreting the destruction of all worldly powers, Roman Empire and barbarian kingdoms alike, as a process of transformation. Hydatius’ chronicle is permeated by a discourse of apocalyptic thinking, which had spread and gained in both importance and urgency over the preceding decades. For the history of first half of the fifth century of Hispania, the chronicle of Hydatius provides a rare historiographical source of information. Hydatius’ personal memories and experiences played an important role when outlining the perspective of the chronicle. The chronicle’s composition posed not only an intellectual but also a practical challenge to Hydatius.
