Description
By: Publius Cornelius Tacitus
The Annals by Publius Cornelius Tacitus is a gripping and detailed account of the reigns of the Roman emperors from Tiberius to Nero. Tacitus provides a wealth of information about the political machinations, scandals, and violence that characterized this period of Roman history.
One of the most striking aspects of The Annals is Tacitus’ skillful writing, which brings to life the personalities and events of ancient Rome. His vivid descriptions transport the reader back in time, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and emotions of the era.
However, while The Annals is undeniably a valuable historical document, it is important to approach it critically. Tacitus had his own biases and political agendas, which occasionally color his interpretation of events. Readers should be aware of these potential distortions and consider them when evaluating the information presented in the text.
Overall, The Annals is a fascinating and essential read for anyone interested in Roman history. Tacitus’ vivid storytelling and detailed analysis make this book a must-read for students and scholars alike.
Book Description:
The Annals was Tacitus’ final work, covering the period from the death of Augustus Caesar in the year 14. He wrote at least 16 books, but books 7-10 and parts of books 5, 6, 11 and 16 are missing. Book 6 ends with the death of Tiberius and books 7-12 presumably covered the reigns of Caligula and Claudius. The remaining books cover the reign of Nero, perhaps until his death in June 68 or until the end of that year, to connect with the Histories. The second half of book 16 is missing, ending with the events of the year 66. We do not know whether Tacitus completed the work or whether he finished the other works that he had planned to write; he died before he could complete his planned histories of Nerva and Trajan, and no record survives of the work on Augustus Caesar and the beginnings of the Empire with which he had planned to complete his work as an historian.
