History, as the saying goes, is written by the victors. This common adage reflects a significant truth: the narratives we inherit often reflect the perspectives of those who prevailed. But what if history were not solely written by the winners? What if we also considered the voices of those who were defeated? By incorporating these overlooked perspectives, we could gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of the past. This article explores how the narratives of the defeated—from the Fall of Rome to the Viking invasions and the Battle of Roncevaux—can reshape our view of history.
When history is written by the victors, it often reflects a narrow, one-sided perspective. Victorious powers craft narratives that may serve political or ideological agendas, portraying themselves as just and noble while demonizing their enemies. These accounts, while informative, often lack nuance and fail to capture the full complexity of historical events.
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However, the history told by the losers can also be ideologically driven. The stories of the defeated, while offering a counter-narrative, are not necessarily more objective. They too can be shaped by the need to justify actions, garner sympathy, or uphold certain beliefs. Despite these biases, exploring the perspectives of the defeated is crucial for a more comprehensive analysis of history.
The Voices of the Defeated
The narratives of the defeated can humanize individuals who were dehumanized or vilified in dominant historical accounts. They provide insights into the motivations, struggles, and contexts of those who lost, contributing to a more rounded understanding of historical events. These narratives also reveal the mistakes made by all parties involved, offering lessons that are crucial for preventing the repetition of historical errors.
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By examining the stories of the losers, we gain a deeper understanding of the long-term impacts and legacies of historical events—insights that go beyond the immediate outcomes for the victors. Victory, after all, belongs not just to those who win battles, but to those who shape the narrative of history.
Case Study: The Fall of Rome
The Fall of Rome, which refers to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, is one of history’s most significant events. It marked the end of ancient Rome and ushered in profound political, social, and cultural changes that would shape Western civilization for centuries. However, the story of Rome’s fall is primarily told through the eyes of the Romans themselves—the defeated.
Here are five of the most important sources:
Ammianus Marcellinus (circa 330–395), a Roman historian and soldier, offers a first-hand account of the events leading to the fall of Rome in his work Res Gestae. His writings provide insights into the military and political challenges faced by the Roman Empire during his lifetime.
Orosius (circa 375–418), a Christian historian, wrote Historiarum Adversum Paganos, interpreting the fall of Rome as divine punishment for paganism. His perspective reflects the religious interpretations of his time.
Zosimus (5th century), a Byzantine historian, chronicled the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of Byzantium in Historia Nova. His account is notable for its critical view of Roman leadership and the impact of external threats.
Procopius (circa 500–565), a Byzantine historian, authored The Secret History, a clandestine account that provides a scathing critique of the ruling elite and their role in the empire’s decline, offering a unique and often controversial perspective.
These accounts, while invaluable, are limited by their perspective. No primary sources inform us about the peoples who invaded Rome. The absence of the victors’ voices from these accounts shapes our understanding of this event and its reception, especially in how it influenced the medieval consciousness that the world is finite and heading toward its imminent end.
Case Study: The Vikings
The Viking invasions of England and Paris are other examples where the perspectives of the defeated dominate the narrative. For the Viking invasions of England, one notable first-hand account comes from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Compiled over several centuries, this chronicle offers contemporaneous reports of Viking raids and invasions in England, starting in the late 8th century. The entries vary in detail and perspective, providing a valuable historical record of the events.
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A 12th-century depiction of the Anglo-Saxon King Edmund being killed by Vikings
As for the Viking invasions of Paris, the primary source is the Annals of St. Bertin, which includes a detailed account of the Siege of Paris in 845. The Annals of Fulda also provide additional insights into Viking activities in the Carolingian Empire during the 9th century. These annals were contemporary historical accounts written by scholars and chroniclers of the time.
However, apart from archaeology, we have very few sources from the Viking perspective. Their lives are reconstructed in mosaic through the eyes of Westerners, often biased by the civilizational lens that depicts the barbarian as inherently savage. The vision of the shaggy, muscular, primitive Viking is entirely nourished by these sources, offering a limited and often skewed view of Viking culture.
Case Study: The Battle of Roncevaux
The Battle of Roncevaux, fought in 778, is primarily known from the Song of Roland (La Chanson de Roland), an Old French epic poem. The authorship of the poem is uncertain, but it is attributed to a poet named Turoldus or Turold. The Song of Roland is a chanson de geste, a type of medieval epic poem that recounts the heroic deeds and tragic events, including the Battle of Roncevaux, during Charlemagne’s campaign in Iberia. While the poem is a work of literature rather than a historical chronicle, it provides insights into the cultural and literary aspects of the time and the way events were remembered and portrayed.
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This battle, known primarily through this literary text, exemplifies how the losers’ narratives can be ideologically driven. The Song of Roland depicts Muslims with particular, sometimes stereotypical traits, reflecting the Christological ideology of penance and suffering for others. This portrayal is a reminder that even the narratives of the defeated can be shaped by the need to uphold certain cultural and religious beliefs.
Why did medieval Westerners write their history even in the event of defeat?Recording historical events, even defeats, is a way for societies to preserve their identity and cultural heritage. It helps them understand their origins, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned. Understanding the reasons behind failures also helps in making better decisions in the future and avoiding similar pitfalls.
These stories become part of a collective consciousness that shapes the narrative of a nation’s past, fostering a sense of shared history among its people. Documenting defeats often includes recognizing the sacrifices made by individuals and communities during challenging times. This helps in honouring the resilience and bravery of those who faced adversity. Therefore, documenting defeats holds leaders and decision-makers accountable for their actions, allowing for a critical examination of past choices and contributing to more transparent and responsible governance.
Writing about history, even in defeat, is a form of cultural expression. It reflects the way a society interprets and communicates its past, shaping its cultural narrative and fostering a sense of continuity. Specifically choosing to report defeats may be attributed to a cultural trait particular to medieval Christianity. The idea of defeat being perceived as good, in the image of Christ who obtained victory through His Cross, exemplifies this paradox. As the saying goes, “The last will be the first,” so defeat can indeed become a victory.
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Dr Lorris Chevalier, who has a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is a historical advisor for movies, including The Last Duel and Napoleon.
Top Image: The death of Roland depicted in BnF MS Français 6465, fol. 113
By Lorris Chevalier
History, as the saying goes, is written by the victors. This common adage reflects a significant truth: the narratives we inherit often reflect the perspectives of those who prevailed. But what if history were not solely written by the winners? What if we also considered the voices of those who were defeated? By incorporating these overlooked perspectives, we could gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of the past. This article explores how the narratives of the defeated—from the Fall of Rome to the Viking invasions and the Battle of Roncevaux—can reshape our view of history.
When history is written by the victors, it often reflects a narrow, one-sided perspective. Victorious powers craft narratives that may serve political or ideological agendas, portraying themselves as just and noble while demonizing their enemies. These accounts, while informative, often lack nuance and fail to capture the full complexity of historical events.
However, the history told by the losers can also be ideologically driven. The stories of the defeated, while offering a counter-narrative, are not necessarily more objective. They too can be shaped by the need to justify actions, garner sympathy, or uphold certain beliefs. Despite these biases, exploring the perspectives of the defeated is crucial for a more comprehensive analysis of history.
The Voices of the Defeated
The narratives of the defeated can humanize individuals who were dehumanized or vilified in dominant historical accounts. They provide insights into the motivations, struggles, and contexts of those who lost, contributing to a more rounded understanding of historical events. These narratives also reveal the mistakes made by all parties involved, offering lessons that are crucial for preventing the repetition of historical errors.
By examining the stories of the losers, we gain a deeper understanding of the long-term impacts and legacies of historical events—insights that go beyond the immediate outcomes for the victors. Victory, after all, belongs not just to those who win battles, but to those who shape the narrative of history.
Case Study: The Fall of Rome
The Fall of Rome, which refers to the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, is one of history’s most significant events. It marked the end of ancient Rome and ushered in profound political, social, and cultural changes that would shape Western civilization for centuries. However, the story of Rome’s fall is primarily told through the eyes of the Romans themselves—the defeated.
Here are five of the most important sources:
These accounts, while invaluable, are limited by their perspective. No primary sources inform us about the peoples who invaded Rome. The absence of the victors’ voices from these accounts shapes our understanding of this event and its reception, especially in how it influenced the medieval consciousness that the world is finite and heading toward its imminent end.
Case Study: The Vikings
The Viking invasions of England and Paris are other examples where the perspectives of the defeated dominate the narrative. For the Viking invasions of England, one notable first-hand account comes from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Compiled over several centuries, this chronicle offers contemporaneous reports of Viking raids and invasions in England, starting in the late 8th century. The entries vary in detail and perspective, providing a valuable historical record of the events.
As for the Viking invasions of Paris, the primary source is the Annals of St. Bertin, which includes a detailed account of the Siege of Paris in 845. The Annals of Fulda also provide additional insights into Viking activities in the Carolingian Empire during the 9th century. These annals were contemporary historical accounts written by scholars and chroniclers of the time.
However, apart from archaeology, we have very few sources from the Viking perspective. Their lives are reconstructed in mosaic through the eyes of Westerners, often biased by the civilizational lens that depicts the barbarian as inherently savage. The vision of the shaggy, muscular, primitive Viking is entirely nourished by these sources, offering a limited and often skewed view of Viking culture.
Case Study: The Battle of Roncevaux
The Battle of Roncevaux, fought in 778, is primarily known from the Song of Roland (La Chanson de Roland), an Old French epic poem. The authorship of the poem is uncertain, but it is attributed to a poet named Turoldus or Turold. The Song of Roland is a chanson de geste, a type of medieval epic poem that recounts the heroic deeds and tragic events, including the Battle of Roncevaux, during Charlemagne’s campaign in Iberia. While the poem is a work of literature rather than a historical chronicle, it provides insights into the cultural and literary aspects of the time and the way events were remembered and portrayed.
This battle, known primarily through this literary text, exemplifies how the losers’ narratives can be ideologically driven. The Song of Roland depicts Muslims with particular, sometimes stereotypical traits, reflecting the Christological ideology of penance and suffering for others. This portrayal is a reminder that even the narratives of the defeated can be shaped by the need to uphold certain cultural and religious beliefs.
Why did medieval Westerners write their history even in the event of defeat?Recording historical events, even defeats, is a way for societies to preserve their identity and cultural heritage. It helps them understand their origins, the challenges they faced, and the lessons they learned. Understanding the reasons behind failures also helps in making better decisions in the future and avoiding similar pitfalls.
These stories become part of a collective consciousness that shapes the narrative of a nation’s past, fostering a sense of shared history among its people. Documenting defeats often includes recognizing the sacrifices made by individuals and communities during challenging times. This helps in honouring the resilience and bravery of those who faced adversity. Therefore, documenting defeats holds leaders and decision-makers accountable for their actions, allowing for a critical examination of past choices and contributing to more transparent and responsible governance.
Writing about history, even in defeat, is a form of cultural expression. It reflects the way a society interprets and communicates its past, shaping its cultural narrative and fostering a sense of continuity. Specifically choosing to report defeats may be attributed to a cultural trait particular to medieval Christianity. The idea of defeat being perceived as good, in the image of Christ who obtained victory through His Cross, exemplifies this paradox. As the saying goes, “The last will be the first,” so defeat can indeed become a victory.
Dr Lorris Chevalier, who has a Ph.D. in medieval literature, is a historical advisor for movies, including The Last Duel and Napoleon.
Top Image: The death of Roland depicted in BnF MS Français 6465, fol. 113
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