Barbarzyńcy według Salwiana z Marsylii

Abstract

In De gubernatione Dei, Salwian of Marseilles assesses barbarians in a negative and positive manner. One might even get the impression that Salwian delivers a eulogy in honor of the barbarians. The knowledge which Salwian communicates about the subject of barbarians is general in character, even sketchy. This knowledge comes from a certain rhetorical and literary canon, which was circulated at that time. Salwian does not give any more information on the topic of the barbarians directly from him. Although Salwian specifies the negative characteristics of individual barbarous nations, he is not especially interested in showing a negative image of them. Salwian shows barbarians in a rhetorical contrast to Roman Catholics. The pagan or Arian barbarians are portrayed in many cases as better than Roman Catholics and their guilt is shown to be lesser.