The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus by Cornelius Tacitus

"The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus" by Cornelius Tacitus is a historical text composed in the late 1st century AD. This work includes two significant writings by Tacitus: "Germania," which provides a description of the geography and customs of the Germanic tribes, and "Agricola," a biographical account of his father-in-law, Gnaeus Julius Agricola, known for his military campaigns in Britain. The texts reflect on the social structures, traditions, and bravery of the Germans while also portraying Agricola's contributions to Roman rule in Britain, emphasizing themes of virtue and the complexities of imperial governance. At the start of the work, the introduction sets the stage by outlining very little known about Tacitus' personal life, linking it to the historical context in which he wrote. It transitions into the "Germania," describing the geography and characteristics of the Germanic people, emphasizing their varied customs, martial valor, and communal structures. Tacitus details their unique societal norms, warrior culture, and distinct customs, contrasting them with Roman society. He vividly portrays the fierce spirit of the Germanic tribes and hints at the potential threat they pose to the Roman Empire. The portrayal aims to provide insight into a world that, while uncivilized by Roman standards, holds a certain nobility and resilience that commands respect. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Tacitus, Cornelius, 56-117
Title The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus
Credits Produced by Anne Soulard, Charles Aldarondo, Tiffany Vergon,
Eric Casteleijn and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
Reading Level Reading ease score: 55.1 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Language English
LoC Class PA: Language and Literatures: Classical Languages and Literature
Subject Agricola, Gnaeus Julius, 40-93
Subject Germanic peoples -- Early works to 1800
Subject Statesmen -- Rome -- Biography -- Early works to 1800
Category Text
eBook-No. 7524
Release Date
Last Update May 17, 2013
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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