There is nothing to be gained by lying
|
Cornelius Tacitus knows perfectly what the cardinal human characteristic is: `From time immemorial, man has had an instinctive love of power.' And, `the reward for virtue was inevitable death.'
His book is a mighty illustration of the ruthless fight for the top spot: emperor. The ambitious and the wealthy fight one another without mercy. `The truth is that revolution and strife put tremendous power into the hands of evil men.' The vanquished are brutally slain.
For Tacitus, the most important factors in the power struggle are money (`money was the sinews of civil war') and control of the military (`the lesson that an army can create an emperor'). If you could `reward` your soldiers, you could win. However, the legions were not interested in war itself only in looting, plundering, raping and enslaving. `The men wanted campaign and set battles, as the prizes here were more attractive than their normal pay.' The victims were innocent peasants, women and children.
Overall, `Italy found it hard to put up with such hordes of infantry and cavalry, and with violence, financial loss and acts of lawlessness.'
While the `Annals' contain more human touch, the `Histories' are nearly completely centered on military, diplomatic and tactical manoeuvres, followed by terrifying and merciless violence after the battles (`the fury of the soldiers').
This for mankind severe and pessimistic book is a must read for all those interested in the lessons of history and for lovers of great classical literature.
|
|
Extensive coverage of the Year of Four Emperors
|
Tacitus (ca 56-120) was not only a great contemporary historian but the statesman who earned both consulship (AD 97) and governorship (AD 112). So he was uniquely positioned to give us the overview of the intricate behind the scene politics of Roman Empire.
"The Histories" covers the years AD 69-70. Other parts (up to AD 96) have been lost in the turmoil of history. Nevertheless the book gives us superb coverage of the Year of Four Emperors. All those emperors were "made" by army. Since then the involvement of army in the politics became sorrow pattern in the Roman empire that destabilized the political situation and allowed few emperors to die natural death.
The book is not very easily readable as the style of the translator seems to be a bit "heavy". I read "Annals" translated by Michael Grant and found that Tacitus can be better translated.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada