Tacitus
Biography of Tacitus
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Publius Cornelius Tacitus
Common Aliases: Tacitus
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: c. 56 AD
Death Date: c. 120 AD
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Roman
Profession(s): Historian, Senator, Orator
Early Life and Background
Publius Cornelius Tacitus was born around 56 AD, likely in the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis, which is present-day southern France. Little is known about his early life, including the exact details of his family background. However, it is believed that he came from a wealthy and possibly equestrian family, which afforded him the opportunity to receive a comprehensive education. Tacitus was well-versed in rhetoric and law, skills that would later serve him well in his career as a senator and historian.
Tacitus married the daughter of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, a prominent Roman general, which further solidified his standing within the Roman elite. This connection not only provided him with valuable insights into the workings of the Roman military and political systems but also inspired some of his later historical writings.
Major Accomplishments
Tacitus is best known for his contributions to Roman historiography. His works provide a detailed and critical account of the Roman Empire, particularly during the first century AD. Tacitus held several important positions within the Roman government, including that of a senator and consul, which gave him access to the inner workings of the Roman state. His political career reached its zenith when he served as the consul in 97 AD, a prestigious position that underscored his influence and standing in Roman society.
Notable Works or Actions
Tacitus's most significant works include "The Annals" and "The Histories," both of which are considered masterpieces of historical writing. "The Annals" covers the Roman Empire from the reign of Tiberius to that of Nero, while "The Histories" focuses on the Year of the Four Emperors and the Flavian dynasty. These works are characterized by their incisive analysis, moral scrutiny, and a keen eye for detail, offering a window into the political machinations and social dynamics of ancient Rome.
In addition to these major works, Tacitus also wrote "Agricola," a biography of his father-in-law, and "Germania," an ethnographic study of the Germanic tribes. These texts not only highlight his literary prowess but also his interest in the broader cultural and geographical context of the Roman Empire.
Impact and Legacy
Tacitus's impact on the field of history is profound. His writings are among the most important sources for understanding the Roman Empire's political and social history. His analytical approach and critical perspective set a new standard for historical writing, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity and the dangers of absolute power. Tacitus's works have been studied and admired for centuries, influencing countless historians and scholars.
His legacy extends beyond the realm of history; Tacitus is often cited in discussions about governance, power, and human nature. His observations on the corrupting influence of power and the complexities of human behavior remain relevant, resonating with readers across different eras.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tacitus is widely quoted and remembered for his sharp insights into the nature of power and governance. His ability to capture the intricacies of political life and human behavior has made his works timeless. Phrases such as "power corrupts" and "the more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws" are often attributed to him, reflecting his enduring influence on political thought.
His writings serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of tyranny and the importance of moral integrity in leadership. Tacitus's eloquent prose and penetrating analysis continue to inspire and provoke thought, making him a central figure in the study of history and political philosophy. His works are not only historical documents but also profound reflections on the human condition, ensuring that Tacitus remains a vital voice in contemporary discourse.
Quotes by Tacitus
Tacitus's insights on:
He was a strange mixture of good and bad, of luxury and industry, courtesy and arrogance. In leisure he was self-indulgent, but full of vigour on service. His outward behaviour was praiseworthy, though ill was spoken of his private life.
At length they gradually deviated into a taste for those luxuries which stimulate to vice; porticos, and baths, and the elegancies of the table; and this, from their inexperience, they termed politeness, whilst, in reality, it constituted a part of their slavery.
Who, to say nothing about the perils of an awful and unknown sea, would have left Asia or Africa or Italy to look for Germany?
Terror and dread alone are the weak bonds of attachment; which once broken, they who cease to fear will begin to hate.
The majority merely disagreed with other people’s proposals, and, as so often happens in these disasters, the best course always seemed the one for which it was now too late.