Most of the historical works written by the Romans disappeared long ago. But while other books were lost, Tacitus' works survived--though, sometimes, just barely. Can you guess why this might later figures thought the works of Tacitus worth preserving? Please read the first few paragraphs of Tacitus' Histories, and see if you can find a line or two that explains the appeal of Tacitus and his approach to history.
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Selections from Tacitus' Histories (Extra Credit)
Most of the historical works written by the Romans disappeared long ago. But while other books were lost, Tacitus' works survived--though, sometimes, just barely. Can you guess why this might later figures thought the works of Tacitus worth preserving? Please read the first few paragraphs of Tacitus' Histories, and see if you can find a line or two that explains the appeal of Tacitus and his approach to history.
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"After the conflict at Actium, and when it became essential to peace, that all power should be centered in one man, these great intellects passed away."
ReplyDeleteWhat he is trying to say in this line is that in order to have peace, it is incredibly important for the power to go to a man who is willing to make important and educated decisions for the outcome of history. If this isn't done, it is likely that the intellects (smart people) will be pushed away and will die without being remembered since there will be no documentation of them at all.
I like this line since it tells about when it was decided that all of the power should be entrusted to one man. His approach to history, at least in my eyes, is making sure that people who read this after he dies understand what is going on. He gives context to the readers, telling them that throughout history up to that point was dominated by ignorant people and people that didn't really care whether history was preserved or not, which is most likely why we don't have a lot of surviving documents from that time.
"I think it proper, however, before I commence my purposed work, to pass under review the condition of the capital, the temper of the armies, the attitude of the provinces, and the elements of weakness and strength which existed throughout the whole empire, that so we may become acquainted, not only with the vicissitudes and the issues of events, which are often matters of chance, but also with their relations and their causes"
ReplyDeleteI liked these lines as I feel it brought upon proper context for Tacitus, and him entailing life of the Romans. He seems to talk about all things Rome, and the current state of the Empire, army, and other things such as weaknesses and strengths of the current state. I think this is important especially for when he's writing, as Rome is consistently revolving and changing on a consistent basis. One year in Rome may be completely positive, whereas the next is detrimental. I also think it's interesting to see how Roman politics change over a course of time, and really digging deep at seeing the certain state of the Romans, and during this time period what the Romans valued most. Having accurate representation of the day to day life of the Romans, can best help the audience like ourselves, to really know the ins and outs of Roman culture and day-to-day life, and how it can consistently change.
- Nile Hesson
"I am entering on the history of a period rich in disasters, frightful in its wars, torn by civil strife, and even in peace full of horrors."
ReplyDeleteI think this shows that Tacitus is a reliable and rather accurate writer, as he is writing from his own experiences in first person. He is also quite honest, and does not try to make the state of the Roman Empire sound better than it is. He is truthful in that the Romans are going through a period of struggle and hardships.
-Lauren Bland