History Quote by Steven Saylor
““Why have two figures of such remarkable interest been so scanted by the annalists and historians, so overlooked by philosophers, poets, and priests? I think it may be that they were, to put it bluntly, too disreputable. They were too stubbornly independent to give allegiance to a single city and thus become subject matter for a civic epic. They were too often involved with demons and sorcerers to appeal to the staid philosopher and too shifty to please the sober historian. In short, they were rogues, and rogues have no place in the lists of kings and demigods and heroes. It may be that no poet shall ever write of them, alas!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Roma, by Steven Saylor, 2007
Historical figures who defy conventional narratives are often excluded from mainstream records.
In simple terms: Outsiders are erased from history.
Key Takeaway
Seek hidden stories.
Themes
history
identity
outsiders
mythmaking
Mood
curious
inquisitive
Type
literary
historical
When to use this quote
- archaeology
- genealogy
- education
- media representation
Key Concepts
historical analysis
literature
cultural studies
Questions to Reflect On
- What voices are missing from our histories?
- How can we broaden our definition of heroism?
A Different Perspective
Not all valuable contributions fit heroic archetypes.
