Tacitus

Germania (eBook, ePUB)

Insights into the Germanic tribes beyond Roman borders

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In 'Germania', the Roman historian Tacitus presents a meticulous ethnographic study of the diverse tribes inhabiting the region that is now modern-day Germany. Written around AD 98, the text is characterized by its incisive prose and keen observations, blending historical narrative with ethnographic detail. Tacitus employs a comparative approach, juxtaposing the perceived virtues and vices of the Germanic tribes with those of Roman society, thereby reflecting on the broader themes of civilization, cultural integrity, and the moral decay of Rome itself. This work, steeped in the literary traditions of classical antiquity, serves as both a social commentary and a cautionary tale about the fate of societies ensnared by excess and corruption. Tacitus, a senator and a provincial governor, was deeply embedded in the political and cultural dynamics of the Roman Empire. His experiences as a public servant and his ties to the tumultuous events of his time informed his depictions of both Roman and barbaric societies. Tacitus'Äôs rigorous skepticism and pursuit of truth resonate throughout 'Germania', revealing the author's complex understanding of identity, culture, and imperialism, as he critiques Rome's waning influence by highlighting the strength and simplicity of the tribes beyond its borders. 'Germania' is an essential read for anyone interested in ancient history, anthropology, and the formation of cultural identity. Tacitus'Äôs unparalleled insight into the Germanic peoples not only enriches our understanding of the past but also prompts critical reflections on modern societal values and the perennial questions of cultural authenticity. This book is a profound exploration of the intersection between civilization and barbarism that remains relevant for contemporary readers.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 25
• Erscheinungstermin: 11. April 2021
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 4064066444549
• Artikelnr.: 61609926

Autorenporträt

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."