ABSTRACT
Ammianus’ obituary notice of Constantius (21.16) provides a typically incisive verdict on that emperor’s character and qualities: although he is accorded a fair amount of praise, the overall impression is unfavourable, partly because of the relative length of the positive and negative parts, partly because the commendation is often qualified whereas the criticism is more rhetorically developed.1 Ammianus’ attachment to Ursicinus meant that he was a jaundiced observer of events such as Constantius’ grand entry into Rome in 357 or the persecution of Magnentius’ followers (16.10; 14.5), which contribute to his assessment of the emperor. Naturally, though, he professed objectivity, and contrasted his judgement with the reputation which Constantius strove to achieve: ‘he made a special effort to be considered just and merciful’ (21.16.11).
