Meaning: Michael Rostovtzeff, a Russian-American historian and classical scholar, made this statement in his book "The Social and Economic History of the Roman Empire" published in 1926. In this quote, Rostovtzeff reflects on the traditional focus of historical studies, emphasizing the dominance of political history and the narrow scope of historical narratives. He suggests that historical narratives were primarily centered on political crises, wars, and the achievements of great generals, thereby neglecting the broader social, economic, and cultural aspects of human civilization.

Rostovtzeff's observation sheds light on the evolution of historical scholarship and the changing perspectives within the field of history. In the earlier periods of historical inquiry, the emphasis was indeed on political history, focusing on the actions of rulers, the dynamics of power, and the conflicts between nations. This approach often presented a limited view of human development, overlooking the multifaceted dimensions of society and the everyday lives of ordinary people.

The traditional emphasis on political history can be traced back to the ancient Greek and Roman historians such as Herodotus, Thucydides, and Livy, who primarily recorded the actions of statesmen, military campaigns, and the rise and fall of empires. This trend continued through the medieval and early modern periods, where historical narratives were predominantly centered on the deeds of monarchs, the intrigues of court life, and the struggle for territorial dominance.

However, the landscape of historical studies began to undergo a significant transformation with the emergence of new historical methodologies and the influence of social sciences in the 19th and 20th centuries. Historians started to recognize the importance of social and economic factors in shaping human societies, leading to a broader and more inclusive approach to historical inquiry.

Rostovtzeff himself was a prominent figure in the development of social and economic history. His work on the Roman Empire highlighted the significance of economic structures, class relations, and cultural developments in understanding the dynamics of ancient civilizations. By emphasizing the social and economic aspects of history, Rostovtzeff and other scholars sought to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of human societies, moving beyond the narrow confines of political narratives.

The expansion of historical inquiry to encompass social, economic, and cultural history has enriched our understanding of the past by offering insights into the lives of ordinary people, the structures of everyday existence, and the forces that shaped human interactions. This broader approach has also contributed to a more inclusive representation of historical experiences, allowing for the exploration of diverse voices and perspectives that were previously marginalized in traditional political narratives.

In contemporary historical scholarship, the integration of multiple perspectives and the recognition of the interconnectedness of social, economic, and political forces have become essential features of historical inquiry. The study of history has evolved to embrace a more holistic understanding of human societies, acknowledging the complex interplay of various factors in shaping historical developments.

In conclusion, Michael Rostovtzeff's quote encapsulates the transformation of historical studies from a narrow focus on political history to a more inclusive exploration of social, economic, and cultural dynamics. By highlighting the limitations of traditional historical narratives, Rostovtzeff encourages a broader and more comprehensive approach to understanding the complexities of human history, enriching our perspectives on the past and present.