Tacitus on Germany - Tacitus

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Biographie:
Publius Cornelius Tacitus (c.?AD 56 - c.?120) was a senator and a historian of the Roman Empire. Tacitus is considered to be one of the greatest Roman historians. He lived in what has been called the Silver Age of Latin literature, and is known for the brevity and compactness of his Latin prose, as well as for his penetrating insights into the psychology of power politics. As a young man, Tacitus studied rhetoric in Rome to prepare for a career in law and politics; like Pliny, he may have studied under Quintilian (c.?35 AD - c.? 100). In 77 or 78, he married Julia Agricola, daughter of the famous general Agricola. Little is known of their domestic life, save that Tacitus loved hunting and the outdoors. He started his career under Vespasian (69-79), but entered political life as a quaestor in 81 or 82 under Titus. He advanced steadily through the cursus honorum, becoming praetor in 88 and a quindecimvir, a member of the priestly college in charge of the Sibylline Books and the Secular games. He gained acclaim as a lawyer and as an orator. From his seat in the Senate, Titus became suffect consul in 97 during the reign of Nerva, being the first of his family to do so. During his tenure, he reached the height of his fame as an orator when he delivered the funeral oration for the famous veteran soldier Lucius Verginius Rufus. In the following year, he wrote and published the Agricola and Germania, foreshadowing the literary endeavors that would occupy him until his death. Afterwards, he absented himself from public life, but returned during Trajan's reign (98-117). In 100, he and his friend Pliny the Younger prosecuted Marius Priscus (proconsul of Africa) for corruption. Priscus was found guilty and sent into exile; Pliny wrote a few days later that Tacitus had spoken with all the majesty which characterizes his usual style of oratory.

Sommaire:
Tacitus, born around AD 56, was a Roman historian and senator admired for his sharp analysis of historical events. His notable works, the Annals and the Histories, chronicle the Roman Empire during its most turbulent years. Tacitus also wrote Germania and Agricola, which provide unique insights into Germanic tribes and his father-in-law's life.He held several public offices, including consul in AD 97 under Emperor Nerva, which shaped his critical view of Roman governance. Tacitus's writings reflect his disapproval of corruption and moral decline in Roman society. His concise, impactful prose continues to captivate historians and readers alike.Tacitus's works remain central to understanding Roman history and politics. His commitment to accuracy and his critique of power dynamics have influenced generations of scholars. Through his enduring legacy, Tacitus exemplifies the timeless value of thoughtful historical inquiry....