Tacitus (born c. 56 AD) was one of the leading historians of imperial Rome. Aside from his writing, he also pursued a political career in Rome, rising to the suffect consulship in 97 AD. He wrote a number of works on a range of subjects. His first, the Agricola, describes the career of his father-in-law Gnaeus Julius Agricola with particular emphasis on his service as governor in Britain. Tacitus also wrote a study of the customs of the German tribes (the Germania) and a discussion of contemporary oratory (the Dialogus de Oratoribus). Tacitus’ most famous works focus on the early Principate. His Histories outlines the chaotic events of the civil war of 69 AD. Tacitus’ final work, the Annals, presents a fascinating insight into the politics and corruption of the Julio-Claudian court.
Dr. Jonathan Eaton, Newcastle College
Agricola | Germania
Dialogus de Oratoribus
Histories | Annals
Annals
Annals 1.61-62 | Teutoberg Bones
Contributed by Sophie Mansell
Annals 4.34-35 | The trial and death of Cremutius Cordus
Contributed by Jonathan Eaton