Rethinking a massacre: What really happened in Thessalonica and Milan in 390? (original) (raw)

The paper critically evaluates the historical narratives surrounding the massacre in Thessalonica and Milan in 390 AD, questioning established scholarly conclusions about the motivations and actions of Emperor Theodosius. By analyzing primary sources, it seeks to unravel inconsistencies and proposes alternative perspectives on the events leading to and following the massacre. The author argues against interpretations that suggest Theodosius acted out of uncontrollable rage or based on advice from his advisors, and instead advocates for a more nuanced understanding of the incident.