Cornelius Tacitus

Cornelius Tacitus was a senator and a historian of the Roman Empire. His major works—the 'Annals' and the 'Histories'—examine the reigns of the Roman emperors, particularly those of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Tacitus is considered one of the greatest Roman historians, noted for his penetrating insights into the psychology of power politics and his critical approach to historical narrative.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Annals

    "Annals" is a historical work that provides a comprehensive account of the Roman Empire from the reign of Tiberius in 14 AD to the death of Nero in 68 AD. The author, a senator and historian of the Roman Empire, explores the inner workings of Roman politics, military campaigns, and social culture during this period. The book offers an in-depth look at the political machinations, power struggles, and the moral decay of the Roman elite, providing a critical perspective on the Roman emperors and their rule.

  2. 2. Histories

    "Histories" is a comprehensive account of the Roman Empire from 69-96 AD, a period marked by significant political turmoil. It provides an in-depth look at the reigns of four emperors: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian, along with the social and political upheavals of the time. The narrative also covers the Jewish rebellion and the burning of the Jerusalem Temple, offering a rich historical context of the period. Despite some gaps in the record, it remains a crucial primary source for understanding this era of Roman history.

  3. 3. Germania

    "Germania" is a historical and ethnographic work that provides a detailed description of the lands, customs, and tribes of the Germanic people in the first century AD. The author, a Roman historian and senator, offers a comprehensive account of the geography, anthropology, social institutions, and military practices of the Germanic tribes, often comparing their culture and values to those of the Romans. The work is considered a valuable source of information about the ancient Germanic tribes, despite its possible biases and inaccuracies.