Germania and Agricola

by Cornelius Tacitus

"Germania and Agricola" by Cornelius Tacitus is a historical account from the early second century. This work presents a detailed examination of the Germanic tribes and a biography of the Roman general Agricola, who contributed significantly to the Roman conquest of Britain. The texts explore themes of cultural contrasts between the Germans and Romans, the nature of leadership, and insights into the political landscape of the time. The opening portion provides a comprehensive introduction to the context and significance of Tacitus's work. It discusses the motivations behind the writings, emphasizes the educational purpose of the edition, and reflects on Tacitus's unique literary style. It introduces the structure of the Germania, which outlines the geography, customs, and behaviors of the Germanic peoples, while also setting the stage for the biography of Agricola, whose military and administrative achievements are to be chronicled. This preface gives readers a glimpse of the scholarly approach taken in this edition, aiming to enhance understanding of both Tacitus's historical insights and stylistic nuances.