“The History Against Pagans” by Paulus Orosius as a Source for the Epitome of Jerome’s Chronicle in the “Gallic Chronicle of 511 Ad”

This article presents an analysis of the sources and origins of historical narratives contained in the “Gallic Chronicle of 511 AD.” The study aims to determine the possible infl uence of Orosius on the compilation of the “Gallic Chronicle of 511 AD” and to identify the sources used by its author. The focus is on chapters of the “Gallic Chronicle of 511 AD” (Gall. Chr. a. DXI. 330, 340, 477, 483, 488, 492), which form a unifi ed group identifi ed by T. Mommsen based on the material’s origin from Paulus Orosius’ “History Against Pagans.” The study conducts a comparative-textual analysis of these chapters, comparing them with fragments from Orosius’ work, consular annals, and other late antique writings. It also examines possible methods employed by the compilers of the “Gallic Chronicle of 511 AD” with various sources. The analysis suggests that the material of these chapters was likely borrowed from consular annals rather than from Orosius’ work. The use of Orosius’ composition by the chronicler when referring to the text of the “Gallic Chronicle of 511 AD” does not provide convincing evidence. However, the limited number of surviving manuscripts and their poor preservation hinder a comprehensive resolution of the issue of sources.