从“走”到“坐”:西方史家治史从古代向中古的转变

From Inquiry of History to Recording History: A Change in Western Historiography from Ancient to Medieval Times

希腊古代史家颇有"行走"以收集史料,亲身经历获取历史经验的传统;至罗马时代,此风不改。然而,随着帝制形成,更多的史家可以"坐"下来整理史料了。基督教史学兴起之后,史家不再随便游走,而是"坐"在教堂之中,身处修院高墙之内,以搜集文献为主,兼采个人见闻,编写历史。

Greek historians are inclined to travel widely, either to visit battlefields, or enquire witnesses, as well as to engage in politics and wars, through which to sharpen their own understandings of historical events. While under the Principate, Roman historians residing in the capital city could obtain almost all of the necessary information without traveling. All of these writing methods have changed when Christian historians take up their pens. As clerics or monks, they are obliged to stay around a certain church or in a monastery, so that they intend to get information mainly through reading documents and opera, or chatting with passing-by guests. This obvious transformation leads to the rising of local history, especially the history of churches and monasteries.