Agricola and Germania (Penguin Classics)

I really loved this revised book. Nearly the first half is written by J.B. Rives, who gives an elucidating breakdown of Rome, and creates an easy to read/understand narrative that frames the original works by Tacitus, perfectly. I truly felt engaged and like I was reading a story. His understanding of Tacitus, and his works, and the culture of the time was so enlightening, and really added depth to my comprehension. Plus, he gives a bibliography for other reads about the European tribal peoples of the time, which I really appreciated. By the time I got to through the introduction, I felt like I had a good basis and background for which to interpret the words of Tacitus. I bought this book because of what Tacitus writes about, but what I got was SO much more, thanks to the extra effort and work of J.B. Rives. Thank you so much.

Tacitus' Agricola and Germania are among the two most-cited sources on Roman Britain and on the ancient Germans, respectively, and anyone with an interest in the Classical World should have a copy of this book. The Agricola is our primary source on Cnaeus Julius Agricola-governor of Roman Britain in the late 1st Century AD who is known to history primarily for the defeat he inflicted on the Caledonians at Mons Graupius in AD 83, and for his planned conquest of Ireland. Reading Tacitus' account, however, we find that his legacy in his own times was more for bringing justice to southern Britain, where previous Roman governors had abused their authority and driven the tribes to revolt. I can't imagine that we can take everything in the Agricola word-for-word, as Tacitus' account is naturally biased-Agricola was his father-in-law, and Tacitus does not speak a single negative word-not even the slightest criticism of a minor feature-of him. The Germania is also biased in that Tacitus is portraying these wild tribes as `noble savages'-claiming they never lied or indulged in improper sexuality, and had no love for money or fine clothing; in all, the Germania is as much an attack on the decadence of the Romans of Tacitus' generation as it is an account of the peoples of Germany in the 1st Century. After giving an at times rather humorous account of Germanic culture and customs, Tacitus looks at all the major tribes and their unique features-such as the bizarre hairdos of the Suebi, the strange religious rites of the tribes worshipping the Goddess Nerthus, and the customs of the Harii, who painted themselves black and only fought battles at night. Overall, this is a must read for a student of the Classical, especially Roman world, showing much about the culture and worldview of both the Romans and their Germanic contemporaries, and how these were perceived by a fairly typical upper-class Roman writer.

Must have for people that can't stop thinking about the Roman Empire.

I have to confess that I was a little disappointed in this volume. But that’s primarily because I had false expectations. I had really liked Tacitus’ THE ANNALS OF IMPERIAL ROME and was hoping for more of the same. But these short works had a different objective. To compare them to the ANNALS would be like comparing apples and oranges. AGRICOLA is supposedly a biography of Tacitus’ father-in-law, who was a consul and the governor of Roman Britain. The biographical information about Agricola is rather sketchy, but we do get a lot of information on his responsibilities and the manner in which he dealt with them. By this method, Tacitus reveals Agricola’s character. Was Agricola murdered by order of the Emperor Domitian? Tacitus doesn’t come right out and accuse, but he lays out substantial evidence from which the reader may draw his own conclusion. GERMANIA is Tacitus’ once-over-lightly view of the land and inhabitants of what the Romans called “Germania.” His descriptions are highly colored by Roman (and thus, his) attitudes and opinions. He’s quick to emphasize their brutishness and uncouth manners. In general, he characterizes the Germans as lazy when they are off the battlefield and vicious killers on the battlefield. He is not terribly specific in his descriptions of most things, but once in a while, he will throw in an in interesting detail, like the way the men of a certain tribe wore their hair, or what one of their religious rituals was like. Overall, this book is probably not very compelling reading for the general reader, despite its brevity. But for the scholar, this book is extremely valuable on many levels. I’d also recommend it to anyone who is visiting an archaeological site on the former Roman frontier. I read it right after visiting Hadrian’s Wall; the site and the reading were mutually enriching experiences. J.B. Rives’ notes and introduction are excellent. Good maps and a glossary are appended. Four stars.

Agricola and Germania are two of Roman Historian Tacitus' most famous works. In this book you can read both of his fine works. Agricola is the story of Tacitus' father-in-law, a Roman officer that was involved in the conquest of Britain. The story is a biography that includes insights into Roman Britain and includes the famous barbarian speech indicting Rome's Greedy Expansion. "...The Romans make a desolation and call it peace." Germania is a study of the tribes of Germany. It shows insights into the early culture of the German People and Tacitus favorably compares the Germans to the Romans in his own day. The editor has many good notes, a fine appendix, and maps which allows the reader to infer modern names to the places described.

“Their generals command less through the force of authority, than of example” "TYR, a warrior god, and the protector of champions and brave men!" The Germany of Tacitus

This translation is an easy read. Just what I was looking for. I just need the facts and this was perfect for that.

Absolutely the best to read about the people and Roman emperor's of the time written by someone who actually knew them, love it. It has spurred me to bye other books by Tacitus.