Even in the writings of the “Father of History” an interest can clearly be seen in emphasizing the differences between his people and the barbarians. (2) And in Titus Livius the narrative is transformed in order to contrast the virtues of the old Republic with the period of the Empire in which the author lives. (3) This purposeful method of presenting facts and customs is foreign neither to historians of the East or the West. They have, from the very beginnings of written narrative, constructed a particular history out of the landscape of their epoch. Affected as they were by their times, many manipulated the facts not with any malice, but on the contrary, considering that their task was to bring out the “historical truth” that had been suppressed or hidden by the powerful. (4)

(4) For example, consider the following quotation: “I begin this work with the time when Servius Galba, with Titus Vinius for his colleague, was consul for the second time. Many authors have given accounts of the earlier period, the 820 years dating from the founding of the city, and many of them wrote of the dealings of the Roman people with eloquence and freedom. After the conflict at Actium, when for the sake of peace it became necessary that all power should be centered in one man, these great intellects vanished. And with this, history’s truths suffered in many ways.” The Histories, Tacitus. (Unpublished translation from the Latin by Salvatore Puledda and Daniel Zuckerbrot.)

 In: Historiological Discussions, Silo

Chapter 1: The Past as Viewed from the Present 1.1 The Distortion of Mediated History 

Tacitus, Publius Cornelius  (c. 58 - c. 120 AD)

Topics

1. Power and tyranny

In his works, Tacitus examines how power is acquired, exercised and abused. He is particularly critical of the tyranny and despotism of the emperors, especially the early emperors such as Tiberius, Nero and Domitian. His descriptions emphasise the negative effects of unrestricted power on individuals and societies.

2. Morals and corruption

Another central theme is the moral decline that Tacitus recognises in both the Roman upper class and the political leadership. He shows how the pursuit of power, treachery and corruption have undermined the moral values of the Republic and turned the imperial era into an era of opportunism and fear.

3. Conflict between freedom and authority

Tacitus addresses the loss of republican freedoms under imperial rule. He compares the former republican order, which was characterised by a certain political freedom, with the later imperial autocracy. In doing so, he highlights the tensions that exist between the pursuit of freedom and the need for order and stability.

4. Relations between Rome and the provinces

In his works ‘The Germania’ and ‘The Agriculture’, Tacitus deals with Roman expansion and the encounter with foreign cultures. He describes the Germanic peoples as freedom-loving and morally upright in comparison to the corrupt Romans, which can be understood as an indirect criticism of the decadence of Rome.

Major works

• ‘The Annals’: This work covers the history of the Roman Empire under the emperors Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero, i.e. from 14 to 68 AD. It is one of his best-known works, although only part of the books has been handed down in its entirety.

• ‘The Histories’ (Historiae): This work deals with the turbulent years of the Roman Empire after Nero's death and covers the reigns of the emperors Galba, Otto, Vitellius and Vespasian, i.e. from 69 to 96 AD. Unfortunately, only part of this work has survived.

• ‘The Life of Agricola’ (De vita et moribus Iulii Agricolae): This is a biography of his father-in-law, Agricola, a Roman general known for his campaign in Britain. The work is both an obituary and an important historical document about the conquest of Britain.

• ‘Germania’ (De origine et situ Germanorum): This ethnographic treatise describes the Germanic peoples and their customs. It offers a contrast to Roman practices and a preview of the tribes that were to play an increasingly important role in Roman history.

Influence

• Perspectives on Power: His analysis of the mechanisms of power and political intrigue provides valuable insights into the administration of the Roman Empire and the nature of imperial regimes.

• Methodology: Tacitus is also known for his rigorous methodology, in which he used various sources, including official documents and personal statements. He emphasised a critical approach to sources, although he was also influenced by his own opinions and prejudices.

Tacitus remains a central figure for the study of Roman history and offers a detailed and often critical perspective on the Roman Empire and its rulers. His works are crucial for understanding Roman politics, society and culture during this period.