Analyzing the texts of the ancient (and not only the ancient) authors: some methodological aspects

Abstract

Along with the archaeological, epigraphical and numismatic material, the texts of the ancient, late-antique and early Byzantine authors provide the needed - though fragmentary – information for reconstructing the Thracian history and culture. These texts have been scrutinized and used by the modern historians of Antiquity for several centuries already and it seems that everything has been said. Still, I dare insist that some methodological aspects of their analyses have never been approached and are in fact badly needed. Following a very short summary of the highlights of the Thracian studies so far, the present paper tries to define two methodological principles to be taken into consideration in future research.

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