Historiographical Thoughts in Agricola and Germany

Abstract

Publius Cornelius Tacitus, the great historian of ancient Rome, wrote Roman history with his unique perspective and sharp brushstrokes. Two of the most famous works, Agricola and Germany are impressive that deeply reflect Tacitus’s own historical thoughts and the political concepts, which take moral history as the core, opposing tyrants and tyranny, advocating the republic system. The nostalgia for the age of republican virtue and the criticism of Roman monarchy are the mainly points that Tacitus wants to show to people. At the same time, the two works are important manifestations of Tacitus’s achievements in historiography and have precious historical value. There are many factors that influence Tacitus historiographical concepts, mainly due to the times and personal backgrounds. Tacitus writes history with his strong moral sense and clear political attitude, which make him clearly different from other historians in ancient Rome, and form the unique style of Tacitus historiography.