The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus - A Deep Dive Review

by Cornelius Tacitus (Author)

Updated at: 05/03/2025

Cornelius Tacitus's The Germany and the Agricola offers a compelling dual perspective on Roman society and its periphery. This volume unites two seminal works: Germania, a fascinating ethnographic study of Germanic tribes, and Agricola, a biography of Tacitus's father-in-law, a Roman governor of Britain. In Germania, Tacitus contrasts the perceived virtues of the Germanic peoples – their communal spirit and fierce independence – with the perceived decadence of Roman life. Agricola provides a poignant portrait of a virtuous Roman general navigating the complexities of imperial politics under Domitian. Together, these texts illuminate Tacitus's insightful observations on power, morality, and the clash of cultures in the Roman Empire.

4.4 / 82 ratings

Review The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus

I'm very satisfied with this edition of The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus. Having tackled Tacitus's Annals a few years ago, I found his writing style initially challenging – a bit rambling and sometimes incoherent. This collection, however, proved to be quite the opposite. This specific translation of Agricola (I haven't read, and don't plan to read, Germania in this edition) was exceptionally readable, making Tacitus's brilliance shine through. He's clearly a master writer and thinker, a true cognitive philosopher ahead of his time. The translation itself, while I can't comment on its strict adherence to the Latin, is beautifully crafted; Tacitus's prose, even in translation, possesses a remarkable ability to turn a phrase, creating vivid and memorable images.

Agricola itself is a fascinating biographical work. Tacitus masterfully portrays his father-in-law, not just as a successful Roman general, but also as a man of integrity and loyalty navigating the treacherous political landscape of the Roman Empire under Domitian. The book is more than just a biography; it's a subtle yet powerful critique of Roman society, its political machinations, and the dangers faced by those who hold to virtuous principles in a corrupt system. Tacitus's insightful psychoanalyses of the Senate, the Emperors, and the Roman populace are particularly compelling. He even manages to convincingly present both the British perspective on their resistance and Agricola's strategic arguments, even if, as we might suspect, some details are embellished – a common practice of the time. The overall impact is strikingly insightful. Reading Agricola reignited my interest in revisiting The Annals, and that alone is a testament to this edition's impact.

The few minor shortcomings are easily overlooked. The references, while helpful, weren't always perfectly precise. However, it was hardly a significant issue. The absence of a table of contents in the free Kindle edition I read is a drawback, but I believe a paid edition should address this. While some might find the lack of modern punctuation in Tacitus's original style initially disruptive, it's a relatively minor inconvenience within the context of the overall experience. Ultimately, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise excellent reading experience.

Beyond Agricola, the inclusion of Germania offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Germanic tribes. Tacitus presents a detailed ethnographic study, contrasting their communal lifestyle and fierce independence with the perceived decadence of Roman society. His descriptions of their customs, social structures, and spirituality offer a rich tapestry of a world largely unknown to us otherwise. He vividly portrays their relationship with the environment, their reliance on hunting and herding, and the constant threat of intertribal warfare. The sheer scale of the Hercynian Forest and the descriptions of the tribes’ lifestyle, particularly the Fenni, paint a vivid picture of the stark contrasts between the civilized and uncivilized worlds. The book offers a profound reflection on the human condition, the complexities of tribal life, and how societies adapt (or fail to adapt) to their surroundings. In short, Germania, like Agricola, provides significant historical and anthropological insight, all within a well-written and engaging narrative.

In conclusion, this edition of The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus offers a highly rewarding reading experience. It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in Roman history, ancient anthropology, and classical literature. The quality of the translation, the compelling narratives, and the intellectual depth of Tacitus's work combine to make it an exceptional and highly recommended read.