Tacitus

During the 1st century A.D., Rome was experiencing extreme political instability. Neither of the dynasties during the century, the Julio-Claudian and the Flavian, provided long-term stability because of the ineptitude of the emperors. Most of the emperors of the period were fearful of other family members overthrowing their reign. The emperor’s fear of being overthrown lead to mass executions of the royal family, which caused further political instability.

Tacitus came to prominence in the political arena during this highly unstable period. Born to an upper class family, he was a senator during the reign of the last Flavian emperor, Domitian. He was fearful of the abuse of power and intimidation brought upon by Domitian. He states, “The worst of our torments under Domitian was to see him with his eyes fixed upon us. Every sigh was registered against us’ and when we all turned pale, he did not scruple to make us marked men by a glance of his savage countenance.” (98). In Tactitus’ writings, The Agricola & The Germania, he states his views on various problems plaguing Roman society, thereby i

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Thus, while The Agricola and The Germania are fascinating stories about life during the 1st century A. He knows that, if he were to attempt to seize any power, he would surely perish. Tacitus, a Roman senator, described this turbulent situation in his stories The Agricola and The Germania. The Germans, considered “barbarians” by the Roman Empire, are of more moral substance than the civilized Romans due to their higher beliefs in morality. llustrating a political platform on how he would rule Rome. Domitian, the emperor of Rome, is a brutal tyrant.

All of the above are in stark contrast with the Roman society of the time. The funerals are simple, the food is not elaborate, and there are few social engagements. Every sigh was registered against us; and when we all turned pale, he did not scruple to make us marked men by glance of his savage countenance” (98). He pays significant attention to the war-like nature of the German people and the relationship of the German family. Agricola does not attempt to consolidate any power that he could have received from his occupation of Britain. In both Agricola’s reign and Domitian’s reign, Tacitus discusses the problems that arose from the consolidation of power during both of their reigns.

Approximate Word count = 746
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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