| Summary: | <p>An examination of the <em>Bellum Gallicum</em> and <em>Bellum Civile</em> of Caesar, and books 21-30 of Livy, with particular reference to battle narratives; this thesis analyses the characterisation of commanders and their soldiers, and the use of soldiers as a moral focus, as part of the creation of causative patterns and explanations within narrative.</p> <p><em>I</em>: sets out preconceptions and problems in the depiction of soldiers and leaders, and defines the terminology and scope of the argument: it also explains the analytical method of the thesis using Sallust, <em>BC</em> 57-61 as an example.</p> <p><em>II</em>: On Caesar, <em>BG</em>. Begins with the drawbacks of the 'propagandist' approach: explores <em>topoi</em> of military action and character thematically (markers of bravery/cowardice, portrayal of Romans/enemies, the role of centurions, Caesar/subordinates/enemy leaders).</p> <p><em>III</em>: On Caesar <em>BC</em>. Examines Caesar's modes of historical explanation in portraying civil war, through discussion of selected sections of the <em>BC</em> (also using comparative material from Cicero's <em>Philippics</em>): the start of the war; the fall of Corfinium; the Ilerda campaign; Curio in Africa; the battle of Pharsalus. Includes a consideration of Caesar's treatment of Labienus.</p> <p><em>IV (i)</em>: Traces narrative explanation on a large scale in Livy 21-3, and sections of 24-5, examining its relation to themes of Roman justification and destiny: observes and comments on parallels with Caesar in the depiction of soldiers and leaders.</p> <p><em>IV (ii)</em>: Continues with analysis of selected episodes, where particular tensions towards the end of the second Punic war condition and complicate narrative explanation: includes a view of the characterisation of Hannibal and Scipio.</p> <p><em>V</em> A brief summary of the conclusions of the argument, and of its possible consequences and implications in a wider historiographical context.</p>
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