ABSTRACT
Historical research is ephemeral and reflects the thoughts and interests of scholars and the concerns of the world of their times. Nevertheless, Liebeschuetz considers that A.H.M Jones’ Later Roman Empire is the greatest book on ancient history to appear in his lifetime. What made Jones different from his contemporaries and how did he attain his point of view? His work was intended to be a continuation of Rostovtzeff's but his attitude and methods were different. He set out the evidence in full so that readers could judge for themselves. His greatest difference from Rostovtzeff was in the importance placed upon agriculture, rather than trade and manufacture, as the basis of wealth of the ancient city. Reticent about his political views even to his family, Jones was certainly left of centre but, even aided by anecdotes about his life by his daughter, his reserve leaves many questions unanswered about the influences that shaped his intellectual approach.
