In the past, history was predominantly focused on political events, often highlighting major crises or military conflicts as the primary narrative threads. This approach meant that historical accounts largely revolved around significant political upheavals and wars, while other aspects of human experience were given less attention.
This quote by Michael Rostovtzeff highlights a narrow perspective in traditional historiography, where political events and figures dominated the study and writing of history to the exclusion of social, economic, cultural, and everyday life. This emphasis not only shaped how we understand historical periods but also potentially obscured other critical dimensions that contributed significantly to societal development. By focusing narrowly on wars and political crises, historians risked losing sight of broader human experiences and the interconnectedness of various aspects of society.
Michael Rostovtzeff was a prominent Russian historian who later became an American citizen. He is renowned for his work in ancient history, particularly Greek and Roman economies, social structures, and cultural practices. His insights into how economic factors influenced political developments and societal changes contributed significantly to the field of historical studies, moving beyond the conventional focus on politics and warfare.
