Tacitus Germania Summary

Critical Analysis of Germania by Tacitus

Tacitus is a Roman contemporary historian who lived approximately during the period 54 A. D. and died after 117. He is well known for his writings of "Annals" and the "Histories," which "covered the history of Rome from the death of Augustus to A. D. 96." Among his fellow historians, he is praised for his unbiased opinions and fairness of judgements. His work, Germania, comprises of his understanding of the Germanic people. Throughout the work, Tacitus describes their values, warfare and weaponry, religion, agriculture, leadership and government, and gender relations within their society. Although Tacitus's respect for the German tribes is perceived when he discusses monogamy in the German society,

One of the most fundamental of these practices was that they never left their dead behind and instead ensured that even when they retreated, they took the bodies of their dead comrades with them. In addition, the German tribes tended to be led by individuals who had been selected by their communities for their valor and leadership skills. As a result, it was essential that all those who followed the leader, especially in the battlefield, ensure that they continued fighting while he fought and protect him. This was primarily because it was believed if the leader fell in battle, it was dishonorable for the followers as it showed that they had not fought as hard and that they had failed him. In matters concerning battle, it was essential nobody attempted to flee and leave his comrades behind and it was instead expected that they continue fighting side by side until the end.

In relation to war, the most preferred weapon was the javelin, which could be used for both close combat and long range. The javelin was a highly effective weapon and it ensured that those using it were not easy to defeat. Furthermore, the javelin was often used alongside a shield, which was essential for not only blocking attacks, but also kept the enemy at bay while the javelin was used to strike. 'The horse' was also used but because of having to use both a shield and

Tacitus's superiority is further perceived when he describes the German settlements and shelters and portrays them as uncivilized as they do not have great cities and a hierarchical structure of authority that would ensure a level of political stability. The tone used when describing the lack of agricultural development, and the way that the Germans constantly raid other communities for their sustenance also points to the view that German society is inferior to that of the Roman Empire. Therefore, Tacitus’ analysis of Germania is one that is conducted in a way that seeks to compare it to the Roman Empire; resulting in a situation where he looks at Germania, not within its own context, but within the context of the Roman Empire. Tacitus's bias and maintenance of unfavorable views of Germania maybe a result of the massive military achievements of the Roman Empire and its pacification and establishment of its dominion over disparate societies that were considered