Instructions are on the word document

HISTORY 310: Paper Two

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

· This assignment must not exceed 1200 words.

· Your name must appear in the top left corner of the first page.

· A word count (excluding footnotes) must appear in the top right corner of the first page.

· Include a title.

· Page numbers must appear in the bottom right corner of each page.

· Use 12 pt. Times New Roman font.

· Set Margins to 1 inch.

· Double-space the text.

· Staple your paper in the top left corner.

· You may use any citation method (footnotes or in-text) you like so long as it is clear and consistent throughout your paper. Abbreviations for the primary source references are listed next to the readings.)

· The goal of this assignment is for you to practice analyzing primary sources and incorporating them into your writing. You should quote judiciously from the primary sources. As with all written work in this course, your analysis should be written in clear academic prose. This is not a journal entry or weekly response, but a work of historical analysis.

Paper grades are based on the following criteria: Thesis/Introduction/Conclusion (25%); Content/Use of Evidence (40%); Structure/Organization/Transitions (20%); Mechanics and Style (grammar, syntax, spelling, instructions followed) (15%).

Answer one of the following:

OPTION ONE:

Read the following (all available on d2l):

· Herodian 1.3-1.7 [example citation Hdn. 1.3.1]

· Dio Cassius (Selections on Commodus) [example citation Dio Cass. 72.3.1]

· Historia Augusta, (Selections) [example citation: SHA. Comm. 3.1]

· Aurelius Victor, 16-17 [example citation: Aur. Vict. Caes. 16.1]

Using these readings, your knowledge of the reign of Commodus (i.e. what you have learned in lecture), and your textbook, construct an essay evaluating Commodus’ decision to end the war in Germany. Consider how the ancient sources portray his decision and whether or not any alternative explanations might exist.

OPTION TWO:

Read the following:

· Herodian 6.8.1-8.8.8 available here:

https://www.livius.org/sources/content/herodian-s-roman-history/herodian-6.8/

(note: the link directs you to the start of the text at 6.8.1; use the arrows at the end of each section to move through the text to 8.8.8) [example citation Hdn. 1.3.1]

Using Herodian, your knowledge of the messy third century (i.e. what you have learned in lecture), and your textbook, construct an essay evaluating the authority by which each of the emperors between 235-238 CE claimed their position. In other words, why do each of these individuals think they have the right to be emperor? Do you think any of these individuals had a stronger claim than any other? Why?