The Annals & The Histories (eBook)

Publius Cornelius Tacitus, a paramount figure in the study of Roman history, was an illustrious historian and senator of the Roman Empire, whose works have deeply influenced understanding of Roman society and governance. Tacitus is best known for two substantial historical texts, 'The Annals' and 'The Histories,' which cover the Roman Empire from the death of Augustus (AD 14) to the end of the Flavian dynasty (AD 96). These narratives are esteemed for providing a detailed and often critical portrayal of the imperial system and its leaders, containing both political analysis and moral insights. Tacitus's literary style is marked by concise and poignant Latin, which not only lends his texts an enduring literary quality but also a complexity that has challenged translators and scholars alike. His writing is characterized by a penetrating skepticism of power, a subtle use of irony, and an unwavering moral seriousness, making his historical accounts stand out for their penetrating character sketches and the dramatic rendering of events. Tacitus's contributions to historical methodology and his profound influence on both historiography and political thought have made him a touchstone for historians and political theorists contemplating the cycles of power and the nature of statecraft.