Tacitus

Wien- Parlament-Tacitus

Error creating thumbnail:

Lipsius manuscript

MII

Tacitus (Publius Cornelius Tacitus, c. AD 56 – c. 120) was a Roman historian and politician. Tacitus is considered one of the greatest Roman historians, known for his penetrating insights into the psychology of power politics and the complex interplay of personality and the fate of the Roman state. His major works, the Annals and the Histories, cover the history of the Roman Empire from the death of Augustus in AD 14 to the years of the Flavian dynasty, ending just before the death of Domitian in AD 96.

Life

Little is known about the life of Tacitus. He was born to a provincial noble family and likely came from Gallia Narbonensis. Tacitus' own works, as well as those of his contemporary, Pliny the Younger, with whom he had a close friendship, provide limited details about his career. Tacitus married the daughter of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, a famous general and the subject of one of his minor works, the Agricola. He held several high offices under the Flavian dynasty, including quaestor, praetor, and consul in AD 97. Later, he became a member of the Roman Senate.

Works

Tacitus' historical works are characterized by their dense and sophisticated prose, which often reflects his moralistic and pessimistic view of Roman history. His two major works, the Annals and the Histories, were written in a style that was both analytical and critical of the Roman administration.

Annals

The Annals cover the period from the death of Augustus in AD 14 to the death of Nero in AD 68. This work is particularly noted for its insights into the nature of power and the corruption and decadence of the Roman nobility. Tacitus provides detailed accounts of the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, highlighting the tyranny and excesses that marked their rule.

Histories

The Histories begin where the Annals end, covering the period from AD 69 to 96. This work focuses on the Year of the Four Emperors and the rise of the Flavian dynasty. Through the Histories, Tacitus examines the civil wars and the eventual restoration of stability under Vespasian, offering a critical perspective on the events and their significance for the Roman state.

Legacy

Tacitus is regarded as one of the most important sources for the study of the Roman Empire in the first century AD. His works offer invaluable insights into the political, social, and moral conditions of Rome, providing a critical perspective on the leadership and governance of the empire. Despite the challenges in interpreting his often terse and elliptical prose, Tacitus' writings continue to be a key resource for historians and scholars of ancient Rome.