Study Guide for Tacitus
Annals and the Emperors:
Augustus, introduced through his funeral; note summing up of his
achievements in Annals 1.9-10
Tiberius; Tacitus usually writes of him in terms of appearance vs
reality
[Gaius: this part of the work is missing, as is some of the rest]
Claudius, the cipher (according to Tacitus)
Nero: decide for yourself how Tacitus describes him
Other noteworthy introduced people in Annals book 1 include
many names familiar from the Republic (the emperor Tiberius is Tiberius
Claudius Nero):
Paullus Fabius Maximus 1.5 (d. 1.5)
C. Sallustius Crispus, adopted son of the historian 1.6 (d. 3.30)
Asinius Gallus, son of Asinius Pollio 1.12 (d. 6.23)
M'. Aemilius Lepidus 1.13 (d. 6.27)
Cn. Calpurnius Piso 1.13 (d. 3.18)
Mam. Aemilius Scaurus 1.13 (d. 6.29)
Sempronius Gracchus 1.53 (d. 1.53)
Newer Names:
Germanicus (Nero Claudius Drusus, son of Tiberius' brother Drusus)
Drusus (Drusus Julius Caesar, son of Tiberius)
L. Aelius Seianus (Sejanus) 1.24
C. Silius 1.31 (d. 4.20)
Some Things to Notice
Importance of women
Emphasis on affairs in the senate or on military events
Relations between emperor and senators
The two mutinies in book 1 and how differently Germanicus and Drusus
handle them
The importance of pietas and cleansing rituals to the army
Treason trials and informers, especially from Book 4 on
Book 1
1-10 After an abrupt beginning, the death and funeral of
Augustus
11-15 Tiberius' recusatio (cf. 1.7) and acceptance of his
position, and other matters
16-30 Mutiny in Pannonia; Drusus with a little divine
assistance
31-45 Mutiny in Germany; introduction of Germanicus and Agrippina
(the Elder)
46-52 Tiberius' policies; how an army cleanses itself of guilt from
misbehavior
53 Deaths of Julia and Sempronius Gracchus
54 The Augustales
55-72 Germanicus vs Arminius and other military actions;
triumphs
72-81 Maiestas trials and other domestic incidents, "a show of
freedom"
Book 2
82-84 Illness and death of Germanicus, honors given to him
85 Legislation: Upper class prostitution (not encouraged), foreign
religions (also not encouraged)
86 Choice of a new Vestal
87 Price of grain and Tiberius' deprecation of honors
88 Death and epitaph of Arminius
Book 3
18 Aftermath of Piso's suicide (introduction of future emperor
Claudius)
19 Death of Vipsania, mother of Drusus, and foreshadowing
20-21 Tacfarinas and African war
22-25 Various domestic matters and scandals
26-28 Digression on the origin of law
29-36 More on affairs at Rome and discomfort between princeps and
senate; note activities of Corbulo in section 31
49-51 Priscus dies for a poem
52-55 Luxury, legislation, Tiberius' intelligent commentary, and
background by Tacitus
56-59 Tribunician power for Drusus, son of Tiberius, and related
matters
60-64 Senate decides some matters of foreign policy, and Livia's
illness prompts Senate to decree a supplication
65 The purpose of history
66-69 Prosecution of Silanus, Tiberius' moderation and Tacitus'
restrained praise
70-74 Other matters in the senate: religion, prosecutions; praise
for Blaesus' handling of Tacfarinas
75 Deaths of Asinius Saloninus and Ateius Capito
76 Death of Junia, niece of Cato, sister of Brutus, widow of Cassius
Book 4
Fortune changes everything, even Tiberius
1-4 The evil influence of Sejanus
5-7 Digression on the armies and Tiberius' administration
8-12 Murder of Drusus, funeral, honors, and gossip
13-21 Other domestic matters; growing danger to window and children
of Germanicus and attacks on their supporters by Sejanus
22 Tiberius investigates the murder of Apronia by her husband
Plautius Silvanus
23-26 End of Tacfarinas but no triumph for Dolabella
27 A slave war in Italy is averted
28-30 The trial of Vibius Serenus
31 But C. Cominius is spared; qualified praise for Tiberius
32-33 Tacitus apologizes for the unremitting tedium of early
imperial history compared to that of the Republic, with a digression on
constitutions
34-35 Cremutius Cordus prosecuted for writing a history; his speech
and his suicide; his books ordered to be burned
36 More prosecutions and the growing power of informers
Some People in the Later Books (first appearances):
Imperial freedmen: Callistus 11.29, Narcissus 11.29, Pallas 11.29
Stoics: Barea Soranus 12.53, Thrasea Paetus 13.49, Helvidius Priscus
16.28
Imperial advisors or praetorian prefects: Seneca 12.8, Burrus 12.42,
Tigellinus 14.48
The great military man Domitius Corbulo 3.31, 11.18
Book 11
The end of book 6 has Tacitus' epitaph of Tiberius; books 7-10 and a
part of the beginning of book 11 are missing and thus book 11 appears to
begin in medias res with Messalina pursuing Poppaea, a rival, and
others. Claudius is emperor in books 11 and 12 and Tacitus seems to lose
no chance to portray him as unaware of what his wives are doing, and of
many other things.
1-5 Prosecutions of Valerius Asiaticus (for adultery with Poppaea)
and two knights (for a dream); suicide of Poppaea; Suillius and Vitellius
for the prosecution
6-7 Senators debate compensation for lawyers
8-10 Changing rulers in Armenia and Parthia
11-12 Celebration of secular games (recalculated); Tacitus mentions
his own role in celebrating these games when Domitian was emperor;
appearance of Britannicus and L. Domitius (later called Nero)
13 Claudius as censor; his introduction of new letters for the
alphabet
14 Origin of writing
15 Concern over the haruspices
16-17 The Cherusci apply to Rome for a king; Italicus
18-20 Corbulo in Lower Germany chases off the Chauci, restores harsh
discipline to the Roman army, is recalled to Roman territory by
Claudius
21 Curtius Rufus
22 History of the quaestorship
23-25 Gauls as Roman magistrates and senators; Claudius' speech on
history of extension of Roman citizenship; enrolling new patricians
26-38 Messalina and Silius; the freedmen take charge; deaths of
Messalina, Silius, and others
Book 12
1-7 Choosing a new wife for Claudius; the masculine rule of
Agrippina
8 Suicide of Silanus, recall of Seneca
9 Engagement of Domitius Ahenobarbus (Nero) and Octavia
10-14 Parthians fetch a king (Meherdates) from Rome; Claudius'
disquisition on kingship; the excellent qualities of C. Cassius
15-21 Vicissitudes of Mithridates of Bosporus
22 Agrippina vs possible rivals
23-24 Provincial arrangements; enlarging the pomerium and the
history of the boundaries fixed by Romulus
25-26 Adoption of Domitius, now called Nero; pity for
Britannicus
27-30 Military issues in European provinces (Upper Germany,
Pannonia) and changes of regime in German territories
31-40 Uprising in Britannia: Caractacus; his eventual defeat,
capture, pardon; panegyrics; further problems in Britannia
Note the speech of Caractacus in section 37, and
where Agrippina is sitting
41-42 Special honors for Nero; Agrippina has supporters and
friends of Britannicus removed; Agrippina has Burrus appointed PPO; her
chariot
43 Prodigies
44-51 Affairs of Armenians, Iberians, Parthians; murder of
Mithridates; adventures of Rhadamistus; incompetence of Julius Pelignus in
section 49
52-53 Condemnation of Furius Scribonianus for consulting
astrologers; senate decrees (ineffectual) removal of astrologers from
Italy; Claudius encourages the impoverished to resign from senate; honors
and gross flattery for Pallas for proposing a law regarding marriages of
free women and slaves
54-55 Minor problems in Judaea and Cilicia
56-57 A mock naval battle, with real blood, on the Fucine Lake;
Agrippina vs Narcissus
58-59 Marriage of Nero and Octavia; Nero's oratory gains him
credit while Agrippina's misbehavior gains Claudius discredit. Suicide of
Statilius Taurus and expulsion from senate of his accuser Tarquitius
Priscus
60-63 On law courts and makeup of juries, a history back to the
time of the Gracchi; details of imperial bureaucracy; on Cos and
Byzantium
64-69 Many prodigies portending change in power; Agrippina's
fear of Claudius, destruction of Lepida, Nero's aunt; Agrippina and
Locusta the poisoner; death of Claudius, accession of Nero with a donative
to the praetorians
Book 13
Agrippina takes over, for a time, and with the assistance of Burrus
and Seneca. Tacitus describes the great deeds of Corbulo in the east
(compare Corbulo's disgust at being recalled by Claudius at 11.20).
1-2 First death: Junius Silanus (descendant of Augustus and brother
of L. Silanus already destroyed); suicide of Narcissus
3-5 Seneca and Burrus maintain order vs Agrippina and Pallas;
deification of Claudius; Nero's funeral oration, written by Seneca; Nero's
promises to the senate and other arrangements
6-9 Parthian threat (accompanied by gossip); appointment of
Corbulo
10-11 More on Nero, senate, and Seneca's speeches
12-23 Agrippina's waning influence, death of Britannicus, various
plots; accusation (and acquittal) of Pallas and Burrus
24-29 Nero's escapades; senate's discussion of uppity freedmen;
senate discussions, especially regarding running the treasury; an
appearance by Helvidius Priscus, tr. pl.
30-33 Prosecutions of various officials; internal affairs of Nero's
second consulship, the glorious mourning of Pomponia Graecina, other
prosecutions, including that of Eprius Marcellus (acquitted)
34-41 Corbulo vs Parthia; his severity; his successes, for which
Nero gets the credit
42-43 Condemndation of P. Suilius and abuse of Seneca
44 A crime of passion; the prepetrator, tr. pl., prosecuted after
his year in office was over
45-46 Poppaea: her history, second marriage to Otho, conquest of
Nero, who sends Otho to be governor of Lusitania
47 Accusation and exile of Cornelius Sulla
48-52 Administrative issues and senate debates: problems at Puteoli;
a decree concerning Syracuse opposed by Thrasea Paetus; complaints about
taxes and publication of tax tables and regulations
53-57 Germany, Belgica, Gaul; conflicts of various German peoples
against each other
58 A final portent
Book 14
The need to destroy Agrippina's influence, followed swiftly by her
permanent removal, opens the book, and the murder of Octavia ends it.
1-9 End of Agrippina
10-13 Nero's fears and justification (written by Seneca, who is
blamed for a bad writing job), thanksgivings decreed by the senate and
Thrasea Paetus walks out
14-16 Nero's return and worse behavior: driving a chariot, and
singing; various ways of forcing others to share in his disgrace; time for
poetry and philosophy also
17-21 Fighting between people of Nuceria and Pompeii; prosecution of
Pedius Blaesus; (natural) deaths of Domitius Afer and M. Servilius; gossip
about the new theatrical games
22 A comet appears and people speculate about Nero's successor,
naming Rubellius Plautus (cf. 13.19-20 on a supposed plot between
Agrippina and Rubellius Plautus); Nero advises Plautus to retire to his
estates in Asia; Nero pollutes the source of the Aqua Marcia (aqueduct) by
bathing in the spring
23-26 Corbulo's success in the east
27-28 Affairs of various cities and Tacitus' disapproval of the
change in peopling of colonies; other internal matters
29-39 Suetonius Paulinus in Britain; women and Druids among the
opponents; revolt in Britain under Boudica; eventual Roman victory
followed by pacification of Paulinus
40-47 Crimes and scandals at Rome; speech of C. Cassius and
execution of an entire household of slaves; prosecution of Tarquitius
Priscus (cf. 12.59), death of Memmius Regulus
48-50 Prosecution of Antistius for writing and performing
unflattering poetry about Nero; activity of Thrasea Paetus in mitigating
punishment; cowardly behavior of A. Vitellius; prosecution of Veiento on a
similar charge
51-56 Death of Burrus (poisoning suspected); appointment of Faenius
Rufus and Sofonius Tigellinus as praetorian prefects; retirement of Seneca
complete with speeches by Seneca and Nero
57-59 Tigellinus raises suspicions against Faenius Rufus; suggests
and has accomplished the deaths of Sulla (cf. 13.47) and Plautus (cf.
14.22); senate offers thanksgivings
60-64 Nero divorces Octavia (twice) and marries Poppaea; has Octavia
murdered; the usual thanksgivings, and an explanation of why Tacitus
includes these in his narrative
65 Nero destroys two powerful freedmen, Doryphorus and Pallas
Book 15
The book opens with Parthian aggression and a fairly extensive account
of the war and Corbulo's rivalry with his colleague Caesennius Paetus,
briefly recounts the great fire at Rome, and ends with the conspiracy of
Piso and its aftermath
1-18 Parthian war, including a loss suffered by Paetus
19 On fictitious adoptions
20-22 Prosecution of Claudius Timarchus of Crete; discussion of
honors voted to Roman proconsuls, and a speech of Thrasea Paetus
23 Birth of Nero's and Poppaea's daughter; the child lived only 4
months; flattery for the birth and death; Nero's excessive joy and
excessive grief (note insult to Thrasea Paetus)
24-31 Parthian difficulties over Armenia continue; Corbulo's
measures and comparisons of Corbulo to Pompey and Lucullus
32-37 Internal affairs, including Nero's appearances on stage, an
account of Vatinius the informer, the forced suicide of Torquatus Silanus;
Nero's fears, parties, and show of marriage to Pythagoras (Nero playing
the bride)
38-44 The fire, Nero's building of the Domus Aurea afterwards, and
blaming the Christians
45-46 Financial ruin of Italy and the provinces; Seneca's Spartan
diet; attempted rebellion of gladiators at Formiae
47 Prodigies, including appearance of a comet
48-74 Conspiracy of Piso; its discovery, the punishment of those
involved and some not involved, most by death but some by banishment; the
inevitable donatives to the soldiers and thanksgiving from the senate
Book 16
The book is not complete but what remains encompasses for the most
part Nero's actions against prominent Stoics
1-3 The false dream and nonexistent gold of Caesellius Bassus (who
ends the tale with voluntary suicide)
4-5 Quinquennial games; Senate attempts to forestall Nero's
appearance on stage by offering him the prize in advance; Vespasian dozes
off during the emperor's performance
6 Death of Poppaea
7-12 C. Cassius sent into exile; deaths of L. Silanus, L, Vetus and
his mother-in-law Sextia and daughter Pollutia (cf. death of Rubellius
Plautus his son-in-law at 14.58); P. Gallus exiled; renaming of months
13 Plague (but bringing ordinary deaths)
14-20 More deaths; Tacitus' disgust with the monotony and tedium of
his account; special mention of C. Petronius
21-35 Nero takes aim at Thrasea Paetus and Barea Soranus, who are
allowed to choose their own deaths, along with Soranus' daughter;
Helvidius Priscus and Paconius are exiled; rewards for the prosecutors
Eprius, Cossutianus, Ostorius
The Histories
Tacitus introduces his themes and most of the major players at the
beginning; he does not describe the death of Nero and accession of Galba
because those events belong to an account of the reign of Nero (not yet
written, as Tacitus wrote the Annals after he wrote the
Histories)
Book 1
1 Preface; "when Servius Galba was consul for the second time
and Titus Vinius was his colleague" is echoed at the end of 1.11: "when
Servius Galba, consul for the second time, and Titus Vinius his colleague,
inaugurated the year which was their last, and almost the last for the
commonwealth of Rome."
2-7 Reasons for Galba's unpopularity at Rome
Human and natural disasters, like bad
omens, followed by actual bad omens; the degeneracy of people and soldiers
under Nero does not augur well; the year reveals the arcanum
imperii (secret of empire); in section 6 the actual statement about
the deaths of Cingonius Varro and Petronius Turpilianus is "unheard and
undefended, like innocent men, they perished." Also in section 6 is first
mention of Fabius Valens, who will be prominent in books 2 and 3
8-12 State of the provinces; especially noteworthy are the split in
Gaul between haves and have-nots, the first mention of Verginius Rufus,
mutiny in Germany
In section 10 Tacitus introduces first
Licinius Mucianus (with at least two neat sententiae) then Vespasian, and
in section 11 Tiberius Alexander
13-19 Galba adopts Piso Licinianus; Galba's speech in sections
16-17; announcement first to army camp (most react sullenly because Galba
gave no donative), then to senate (servile reaction, often false as well).
Note bad omens and Tacitus' comments
20 Discussion of recovering money from Nero's favorites
21-44 Usurpation of Otho
Otho's monologue arguing himself into
treason; he is also urged on by his freedmen and slaves, and by
astrologers, although Tacitus suspects (based on his courting of soldiers)
he had long plotted against Galba; bad omens at Galba's sacrifice; Otho's
usurpation and the reaction of most who knew about it; confusion and
rumors; people demand action as if in the amphitheatre; deaths of Galba,
Piso, and others
45 Servile reaction of the senate and people
46-47 Praetorians order affairs as they wish; celebrations end the
day. First appearance of Flavius Sabinus (Vespasian's brother) in
section 46
48-49 Epitaphs of Piso, T. Vinius, Galba
50 News of Vitellius' rebellion reaches Rome and everyone (even
common people) panics, not sure if Otho or Vitellius is worse; they recall
civil wars of the Republic and find this one worse; rumors about Vespasian
and Tacitus' judgment
51-70 Origin and course of Vitellius' rebellion under leadership of
Fabius Valens and Alienus Caecina
Valens urges Vitellius to declare
himself emperor; what he says of Verginius might equally be said of
Vespasian; execution of loyal centurions; Vitellius' cause attracts
Britain and Gaul. First mention of Julius Civilis in section 59. The
threatened or actual mistreatment of various Gallic peoples (familiar
to those who have read Caesar) speaks ill of Vitellius' army
71-75 Otho's energetic reaction (and exercise of clemency on Celsus;
cf. 1.45); end of Tigellinus; Otho and Vitellius negotiate by letters and
each tries to undermine the other's support, and to have the other
assassinated
76 Balkan provinces recognize Otho, as do Vespasian and Mucianus,
and the provinces of the east and Egypt
77-78 Otho bestows offices on those in Rome, and benefits on
provinces and cities
79 Sarmatians take advantage of the situation to raid Moesia
80-85 Riotous behavior of soldiers in Rome; Otho sees the dilemma
and gives a speech, but the problems will continue
86 Prodigies
87-90 Otho plans his attack; loses some of his most able supporters
to slander (first mention of Suetonius Paulinus in 1.87); Otho leaves
Rome
Book 2
1-7 Fortune introduces a new dynasty, and Tacitus begins with
Titus, sent by his father to Galba, returning to the army, with a stop at
Paphos
Short digression on worship of Venus
of Paphos; Titus consults the oracle and receives two answers, one
private; Vespasian, Mucianus, what their soldiers want
8-9 The adventures and end of the false Nero
10 Vibius Crispus prosecutes the delator Annius Faustus
11-16 Extent and placement of Otho's forces, who treat some Italian
towns like hostile foreign territory. First mention of Julius
Classicus in 2.14; he will reappear in book 4
In section 13 Otho's maritime troops
attack the town of Albintimilium. In Agricola 7 he calls it
Intimilii; Tacitus omits the personal connection of this incident
17-26 Caecina holds Italy north of the Po; various encounters with
Otho's armies commanded by Vestricius Spurinna, Annius Gallus, Suetonius
Paulinus, and Marius Celsus. A victory for Otho's side, but not
complete (Tacitus passes on the common opinion that Suetonius Paulinus
could have done better)
27-31 Flashback to disciplinary problems in Vitellian forces,
rivalry between Fabius Valens and Caecina Alienus, the laxity required in
civil war. In section 31 talk of mutual insults between generals leads to
faults of Otho and Vitellius; cf. 1.50 where Tacitus says people believe
that whichever of the two wins will turn out to be worse.
31-33 Otho's forces now united, Suetonius Paulinus offers advice to
delay battle and wait for additional reinforcements from the provinces;
the better generals agree, the worse, and Otho, disagree. Tacitus marks
the decisions made here as the beginning of the end.
34-36 Battle at the Po River goes badly for the Othonians.
37-38 Tacitus' sources (not named) offered evidence that troops on
both sides, unhappy with their emperors, thought about joining forces and
looking for a better ruler; Tacitus does not believe this, nor that
Suetonius Paulinus had ambitions of his own, mostly because he was too
sensible. Section 38 is a famous summing-up of the degeneracy of a
military society under its generals, from the time of Marius and
Sulla.
39-40 Back to Otho's soldiers; better advice from better generals
again ignored.
41-45 Battle near Bedriacum: hard fighting, great slaughter (in
section 44 Tacitus observes that one cannot sell captives from a civil
conflict). A loss for Otho's side; his men at first swear to fight on,
then surrender to the Vitellians
46-50 Otho finally learns the news, discourages remaining forces
from fighting again, takes measures to protect his supporters, and
suicides. Example of Tacitean irony at end of section 48. The epitaph of
Otho, and the story of the odd bird
51-55 Confusion, anger, rumors, and changes of heart in the
aftermath. Verginius Rufus once more offered the empire. The dilemma of
the senators who had accompanied Otho. An attack on Eprius Marcellus (his
first appearnce in the Histories) in section 53. Amazing reaction
at Rome (but they were celebrating a festival anyway).
56 Vitellian forces make a raid through Italy after their
victory
57-60 Vitellius hears of Otho's death; promotes his freedman
Asiaticus. Various administrators murdered in Mauretania, including
Lucceius Albinus (encountered also in Josephus BJ, beginning of
chapter 8, p. 149) and Asinius Pollio. Junius Blaesus helps Vitellius but
has no joy of it (see 3.38-39). Execution of Otho's best centurions;
trials of Suetonius Paulinus and Licinius Proculus, who acquit themselves
of the crime of loyalty
61-72 Vitellius advances toward Rome and makes various dispositions
of troops (especially some that had supported Otho)
Mariccus rebels in Gaul but is
suppressed; Cornelius Dolabella is put to death; Cluvius Rufus leaves
Spain, his province; at one of Vitellius' dinner parties at Ticinum, where
Verginius Rufus is a guest, the soldiers are angry; Vitellius inspects the
battlefield at Bedriacum where so many dead have not yet been buried
73-86 Affairs in the east: Vespasian contemplates his situation
while his supporters urge him on; Mucianus delivers a speech (sections
76-77); Vespasian contemplates divine signs, past and present; his
salutation as emperor comes about and he is joined by Tiberius Alexander,
Mucianus, various client kings including Agrippa and his sister Berenice;
Vespasian goes to Egypt, leaving Titus at Jerusalem and Mucianus to take a
number of legionary forces to Italy
Tacitus has little good to say about
Mucianus' and Vespasian's avarice (section 84) but is otherwise not
hostile (cf. sections 80 and 82); armies of Illyricum join Vespasian;
Tacitus introduces Antonius Primus (section 86) and describes his
character
87-89 Vitellius' sloth contrasts with the opposition's energy; his
progress through Italy to Rome is marked by his soldiers' treating
everyone they encounter as an enemy and his entrance to Rome seem at first
like that of a conqueror into a conquered city
90-91 Vitellius' self-eulogy that nobody would believe if anybody
cared; Helvidius Priscus does not agree (first mention of this prominent
person, one of the few surviving members of the so-called Stoic
opposition). Very bad omen in Vitellius' choice of day to become
pontifex maximus
92-101 The remaining chapters of the book detail Vitellius' problems
with finances, with the military men, and with his generals. The soldiers
from Germany grow soft and demoralized in Rome, and all soldiers seem to
give up on military discipline of any sort. Caecina and Valens are openly
hostile to each other and effectively sabotage anything Vitellius tries to
do. There is little enthusiasm in the western provinces (some of which
have military problems anyway) to support Vitellius. While Valens stays at
Rome because of illness, Caecina leaves with the army to prepare against
Vespasian, but evidently starts to plot to desert Vitellius. Lucilius
Bassus, commander of the fleet in the Adriatic, does the same
Book 3
1-5 The book opens with the more vigorous plans of Vespasian's
adherents. To this detailed narrative of the invasion of Italy, up to the
retaking of Rome, cf. Josephus 4.630-654 (pp. 284-286 in the
translation)
Antonius Primus drives events and
argues against delaying the invasion of Italy; Cornelius Fuscus
(introduced at 2.86) is equally enthusiastic; deals with Sarmatians and
Suebi to protect the borders during the invasion
6-7 The invasion of northern Italy; an initial small victory for
Antonius; restoration of Galba's statues
8 Statement that Antonius' advance was contrary to the orders and
plans of either Vespasian or Mucianus, who preferred waiting and cutting
off supplies, to avoid bloodshed (Tacitus attributes another motive to
Mucianus); Tacitus seems to absolve Antonius of disobedience
9-11 Near Verona, Caecina is in a good position but does not use it;
he writes letters to Vespasian's commanders and they reply; meanwhile they
keep getting reinforcements
Introduction of Vipstanus Messala, an
important figure in Flavian Rome (see the Dialogus), "who alone
brought good arts to this war". The Pannonian and Moesian soldiers riot,
suspicious of treachery, against Tampius Flavianus and Aponius Saturninus,
the two governors. Antonius Primus is left in charge; he does seem to be
able to control the troops, but Tacitus says some thought he encouraged
the riots to rid himself of superiors.
12-14 Upsets among Vitellian forces: the fleet at Ravenna, under
Lucilius Bassus, declares for Vespasian; Caecina addresses his officers
and deserts Vitellius but the soldiers of the German army reverse his
decision, arrest him, and march to Cremona
15-25 A great and long battle outside Cremona, near the earlier
battle at Bedriacum, in several parts
Antonius Primus distinguishes himself
as a general, although at first he has to kill one of his own standard
bearers to do it; he argues his soldiers out of trying an immediate
nighttime assault on Cremona (so they can loot the city); arrival of six
legions loyal to Vitellius who attack the Flavian troops although it is
late at night; battle lasts all night and is marked by Flavian victory,
and the killing of a father by his son
26-35 Capture and sack of Cremona. Fascinating reading
36-39 Vitellius dispatches Valens, then does little but receive news
and react to it; Vitellius' much praised speech in the senate (senators
avoid insulting Vespasian or his generals though); another one-day
consulship; death of Junius Blaesus and the role of L. Vitellius
(Vitellius' brother)
40-44 Valens' advance, lack of decisive action, misbehavior; he
hears of the defeat at Cremona and forms a plan to go to Gaul and attack
Italy from there, but is captured near Marseilles; the armies in Spain,
provinces of Gaul, and Britain (less enthusiastically) support
Vespasian
45-47 Insurrection in Britain: internal strife among Romans presents
an opportunity; other problems break out in Germany (cf. 4.12 ff.),
potential invasion of Dacians stopped by Mucianus; outbreaks of anti-Roman
activity in Pontus, and at sea
48 Vespasian sends someone to deal with the pirates and Pontus, and
hears of the victory at Cremona; he is anxious to arrive at Alexandria to
cut off supply of grain to Rome, and to invade North Africa
49-53 Antonius Primus, feeling more secure, behaves much less well,
vitiating military discipline and failing to worry about Mucianus; other
signs of indiscipline and bad behavior by the military; growing animosity
between Antonius and Mucianus, with letters sent to Vespasian.
54 Vitellius covers up news of Cremona and worse rumors spread;
Vitellius kills his own spies; a faithful centurion, Julius Agrestis,
investigates at Cremona, returns with a full report, and kills himself to
gain credence
55-56 Vitellius wakes up, sends out some troops without a good
general, gives protection of Rome to his brother L. Vitellius; then gives
away many offices, immunities, grants of rights. At Mevania with the army
there are a number of evil portents but Tacitus says the emperor himself
is the worst of them
57 Due to an individual's daring, the fleet at Misenum becomes
Vespasian's; some land forces also cause concern
58 L. Vitellius takes some soldiers to Campania to restore order;
Vitellius is buoyed up by the shouts of the urban plebs. Vitellius
attracts sympathy, not for himself but for his office; gradual desertion
by senators and knights
59 Various parts of Italy choose to support Vespasian; first mention
of Petilius Cerealis; Domitian and Flavius Sabinus could have escaped Rome
but did not
60-63 Antonius Primus urges moderation and patience on his
supporters; death and epitaph of Fabius Valens; Vitellius' troops
surrender at Narnia
64-68 Senators confer with Flavius Sabinus, prefect of the city and
brother of Vespasian; Vitellius attempts to abdicate after negotiation
with Flavius Sabinus, but Vitellius' supports reject the arrangement
69-70 Flavius Sabinus and supporters seize the Capitol; Vitellius'
supporters attack
71-76 Temple of Jupiter is burned down; Sabinus is captured;
Domitian escapes and hides; death and epitaph of Sabinus
77-86 Antonius Primus hears the bad news while waiting for Sabinus,
attacks Rome; death and epitaph of Vitellius; Domitian comes out of
hiding
Book 4
1-3 Retribution and chaos at Rome
4 Mucianus writes to the senate; senators shower honors on him,
Antonius Primus, and even thank the gods
5-8 The quarrel between Helvidius Priscus and Eprius Marcellus the
informer
9-10 Financial problems; trial of the informer Celer
11 Mucianus arrives and draws power from Antonius Primus
12-37 Revolt in Germany
38 Worries at Rome over food supply and factional spirit mar the new
year
39-40 Julius Frontinus, praetor urbanus, resigns so Domitian can
hold the office; Domitian addresses the senate; Mucianus manages Antonius
Primus with praise and promises
41-43 Senators take an interesting oath; accusations and
counter-accusations (note Curtius Montanus); Helvidius Priscus attacks
Eprius Marcellus once again
44-46 Domitian and Mucianus speak in terms of an amnesty; Mucianus
deals with the disbanded soldiers (previously fighting for Vitellius)
47 Sabinus receives a censor's funeral
48-50 L. Piso, proconsul of Africa, attempts usurpation (or is
thought to attempt it) and is killed
51-52 Vespasian hears the news from Italy, leaves Titus in charge of
the siege of Jerusalem, and sets out for Rome; Titus puts in a plea for
the sake of his brother
Book 5
Tacitus foretells the end of Jerusalem and relates the history of the
Jewish people, as he knows it
1 Titus is in charge of the siege of Jerusalem; his forces,
supporters, and moderate behavior
2 Origin of the Jewish people
3-5 Departure of the Jews from Egypt; leadership of Moses;
description of their religious practices
6-8 Geographical description of their territory and the history of
its conquest by other nations
9-10 Pompey and Jerusalem; subsequent dealings with the Romans
11-13 Difficulty of siege; fortifications of the city; prophecies
and unexpiated prodigies
Agricola
Tacitus introduces the biography of his father-in-law, Cn. Julius
Agricola (40-93), with a lament for the loss of literature attendant upon
the loss of freedom under Domitian
1-3 Justification of the undertaking and captatio
benevolentiae; memories of book-burning when the praises of Thrasea
Paetus and Helvidius Priscus were taken out of circulation; praise of
Nerva and Trajan and apology for the length of time it has taken literary
spirits (those few left) to recover
4 Agricola's birth; loss of his father under Caligula; upbringing by
his mother in Massilia
5 First military service in Britain under Suetonius Paulinus (cf.
Annals 14.29-39)
6 At Rome, marriage, early offices
7-8 Murder of his mother by people serving with Otho's fleet;
Agricola give allegiance to Vespasian; Mucianus puts him in command of the
20th legion; service in Britain under Vettius Bolanus and Petilius
Cerealis
9 Vespasian makes Agricola a patrician, and governor of Aquitania;
his excellent service of three years, and his outstanding character;
serves as consul and afterwards marries his daughter to Tacitus
10-12 Geographic and ethnographic excursus on Britain
13-15 History of Roman contact with and domination of Britain from
the time of Julius Caesar; note role of Vespasian during the reign of
Claudius until the time of Suetonius Paulinus as governor
16 The rebellion of Boudica, during which Agricola arrives;
subsequent governors and their vicissitudes
17 Vespasian recovers Britain under Petilius Cerealis and then Sex.
Julius Frontinus
18-23 Agricola's tenure as governor of Britain; military success and
moderation in administration; encourages building, civic life, and
Romanitas
24-27 Circumnavigation of Britain, Agricola's statement about ease
of conquering Ireland; problems with Caledonia
28 Escape and misbehavior, then misadventures, of German conscripts
to the Roman army
29-32 Agricola presses on the attack towards the north; opposition
led by Galgacus, who has a fairly long speech
33-34 Agricola's speech
35-38 Battle of mons Graupius (a Roman victory) and its
aftermath
39-40 Domitian's jealous reaction; possibly including a false offer
of Syria to Agricola, who returns to Rome
41-42 Amid gossip and plots, Agricola lives quietly in retirement
(to the end of section 40, cf. Annals 4.20)
43 Illness and death of Agricola
44-46 Eulogy, list of horrors that Agricola did not have to see,
along with the brighter age that he also missed
Dialogus
The dramatic date of this dialogue is 75/76 CE (see section 17). It
begins as a discussion of the pros and cons of writing poetry vs
practicing as an orator, but soon becomes a criticism of oratory and
political freedom.
1-4 Introduction of the situation and participants: Curiatius
Maternus, M. Aper, Julius Secundus
5-10 Speech of Aper on the value and benefits of oratory (usually
equated with pleading in court)
11-13 Maternus' rebuttal
14 Vipstanus Messalla enters, praises older orators
15-23 Aper disagrees and argues that newer orators are superior
24-27 Messalla's refutation on both stylistic and moral grounds;
Maternus cedes the point and asks Messalla to explain why oratory has
declined since the time of Cicero
28-41 The discussion contains a lacuna (see end of section 35) but
covers matters such as teaching (teachers and parents as well as students
come in for criticism), less value given to learning and the importance of
broad learning for a good orator, but especially the impetus given to
oratory by political strife
Last updated: 22 November 2009
Send Comments to: Barbara Rodgers, bsaylor@zoo.uvm.edu
Copyright © 2009 Barbara Saylor Rodgers
All Rights Reserved.
|