In Pursuit of the Barbarian Hordes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — In his latest book, “Barbarians,” Terry Jones tells the story of Roman history as seen by the Britons, Gauls, Germans, Greeks, Persians and Africans. The Vandals didn't vandalize - the Romans did. The Goths didn't sack Rome - the Romans did. Attila the Hun didn't go to Constantinople to destroy it, but because the Emperor's daughter wanted to marry him. And far from civilizing the societies they conquered, the Romans often destroyed much of what they found.

Jones will discuss his book at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, in Giffels Auditorium, Old Main. He will sign copies after the talk, which is free and open to the public.

“Barbarians” is a follow up to his last work, “Medieval Lives.” In the new book and the accompanying television series, set to air in the United States this summer on the History Channel, Jones argues that we have been sold a false history of Rome that has twisted our entire understanding of our own history. Jones takes a completely fresh approach to the history of the Romans, and reveals that most of the people written off by the Romans as uncivilized, savage and barbaric were in fact organized, motivated and intelligent groups of people, with no intentions of overthrowing Rome and plundering its Empire.

“Jones’s book is a unique exploration of Roman history, told in the witty and inimitable voice of one of modern day’s master storytellers,” said William Quinn, English professor. “This compelling read provides a rare blend of scholarly research and Jones’ familiar iconoclastic brand of humor.”

Jones is most famous as a member of Monty Python, a British comedy troupe that produced a television series and numerous movies. He has directed several feature films, including “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “The Life of Brian” and “The Meaning of Life.” He is the author of several children's books and of three books on medieval England: “Chaucer's Knight,” the highly acclaimed “Who Murdered Chaucer?” and “Medieval Lives.”

His visit is sponsored by Medieval and Renaissance Studies, under the auspices of the humanities program in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.