Tacitus

Paper Summary:

Even by contemporary, twentieth and post-twentieth century standards, Tacitus' paper on Germania and Julius Agricola (written 98 A.D.) would stand the test of rigorous peer review. The paper shows that Tacitus, instead of adopting a colonialist's attitude to the vanquished (in the expansion of the Roman Empire), used scientific means to study the Germanic tribes. "The Story of Agricola" stands however, in complete contrast to the objectivity that accompanies his descriptions of the Germanic tribes and, essentially, Tacitus deifies Agricola. The paper points to ulterior motives: primarily, Agricola was Tacitus' father-in-law. The paper argues too, that although Tacitus' descriptions have not been contested by other historians' indeed, Tacitus' is the only comprehensive representation? they seem one-sided.

From the Paper:

"On the battlefield, he led from the front, demonstrating his courage and the respect he demanded from his soldiers. Against the Ordovices he "went to meet the peril" as Tacitus writes. Concerning logistical and situational awareness, Agricola was second-to-none. He had an eye for ground which was unparalleled by any other commander, and chose exquisite sites for situating camps. He was bold, yet perhaps over-cautious to needlessly risk Roman life as he demonstrated at the battle at Mt. Grapius. Yet Agricola was optimistic and resolute in the face of difficulties. Rarely has there been a more adequate Roman leader - this was demonstrated when Domitian recalled him from Britain due to his gaining too much popularity. Agricola was recalled to Rome in 87AD by a ruler, who according to Tacitus," was the foe of virtue". He died in Rome on the 23rd August 93AD aged 56."

More papers on Tacitus:

• Essay # 88148 : "Tacitus"
• Comparison Essay # 148142 : "A Question of Truth: "Res Gestae Divi Augusti" and Tacitus' "Annals"
• Comparison Essay # 127369 : "Augustus, Tacitus and Dio Cassius"

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