作者: Arthur Galton

Cornelius Tacitus, an eminent Roman historian and senator, is widely regarded as one of the greatest classical historians. He lived during the late first century AD, with his exact dates of birth and death traditionally placed around AD 56 to 120. Tacitus is best known for his penetrating analysis of the history, society, and psychology of the Roman Empire. His works, characterized by a concise and solemn style, coupled with a trenchant wit, offer a critical perspective on the Roman Principate. Among his significant contributions is “The Reign of Tiberius, out of the First Six Annals of Tacitus, ” which scrutinizes the rule of the second Roman Emperor, providing invaluable insight into the political climate and machinations of Tiberian Rome. This work forms part of the larger series known as the “Annals, ” where Tacitus intended to cover the history of Rome from the death of Augustus in AD 14 to the end of the Flavian dynasty in AD 96. His narrative combines moral judgment with factual analysis, shedding light on the use and abuse of power amongst Rome”s ruling elites. Despite the fragmentary nature of his texts, Tacitus”s works remain a cornerstone of classical literature and a precious resource for understanding the complexities of Roman imperial rule.