Tacitus Germania Analysis

In Tacitus’ Germania, the author reveals different aspects of the Germanic tribes of that time. Tacitus underlines religion, politics, and warfare in his passages. He goes into detail about climate, geography, social structure, the different customs of the Germanic people, and the tribes that make up Germany. Warfare being described to be one of the most important characteristics of the Germanic people, it was the most respectable effort that people of Germany could display.
In Tacitus’ Germania the reader can capture an image of how Germany is presented in terms of its bordering territories and its geographical details. According to Tacitus, Rhaetia and Pannonia and the rivers Rhine and Danube separate Germany (Tacitus, Germania, 1). The

northern coasts are made up of immense islands and with their wide mountain ranges (1). As the Danube runs its course before ending at the Black Sea and in marshes, it travels pass more tribes than the Rhine which starts in the Rhaetian Alps and flows westward into the northern ocean (1). These geographical locations share an importance with the tribes being described in the passages. Immigration to Germany was really unheard of. There was no great purpose of trying to travel into Germany from other nations because of its horrid climate and its misery (2). Germany in a sense was characterized with woods or swamps (5). The people of Germania were slothful and they did not care too much about working hard (4). Germans were very ideal on the fact that they wanted nothing to do with ploughing the land that they harvested because it was said to be spiritless (14). The German folk did not fester too much with growing crops on their own, they would steal knowing that they do not have great success with the agriculture.
The people of Germany had their houses separated and apart from each other. In spite of their inexperience and shear laziness the Germans were not expert builders. They use timber instead of using stone, which makes it venerable and unimpressive (16). The Germans did find for a fact that when the cold and frost would pour over their country they were able to keep their produce and themselves warm and out of the open with caves that were hollowed out (16).
Warfare was shown to be the respectable clause for people of Germania.

They show tremendous courage for their tribes, with only being satisfied to demolish the warriors that they face, and protect the ones of their own. When they are not involved in warfare the warriors are lazy and do not show any interest in anything as they leave all the caretaking of their home and fields to the women and the weak (15). As weaponry was made of iron, many warriors only carried spears for the reasons that iron was scarce and they only used a minute amount of metal (6). Spears were easy to maneuver and they could be used for combat fighting up close and from a distance (6). In wars the Germans would try and instill fear into their opponents’ hearts. Barritus was a chant that was used to distract the other army and create panic (3). They would also cover their mouths with their shields to enact a murmur to make their voices sound more distinct (3). The warriors were not intrigued with wearing armor because they had the utmost confidence when going into battle. And as they used their horses to be a strength in battle. The warriors ride them into battle, charging the opposing army in a straight line while keeping balanced and stern (6). The Germans were known for their infantry being supreme. Never did they retreat or cowardly run from the field of battle (6.) They were strong and the bravest of men.
Valour was of many importance to the Germans in the field of battle. When battles were

fought you could not leave after your chief has fallen as that would be noted as infamy (14). Germans had no ideas for peace but they had the taste of violence and heroism in their blood. They did not want to be shown as weak or show dishonor. Even in war when fighting alongside the chief they must not surpass in bravery, as that may be a sign of disobedience (14).
The Germans do have religious beliefs as they celebrate gods and goddesses. Tuisto is an earth-born god that has a son, Mannus and to him three sons (2). Along with their warrior god, Hercules, the Germans praised him as they were ready to go into battle (3). The Germans showed praise to their gods by never keeping a holy shrine nor a building that would hold specific items, instead they were able to worship their gods by nature. The god that was favored the most was Mercury (9). They worshipped many gods especially for high praise when going into war, but they were many times being worshipped for a sense fulfillment in their lives. And some tribes worshiped Nerthus, which was Mother Earth because they believed that she comforts the people (40).
Women in Germany were honorable especially when married. They did not show any corruption by the public (19). Husbands would seek advice from their wives to compensate any confusion. They are one with their husband and will only seek to his attention when called. The children would grow and be nurtured by their mothers until they reach the age were valour possess their soul (20). Once they boys and girls get to the age of maturity they are rushed into marriage but they must wait until worthy (20).
Politics and the social structure were found to be strong and unified. The kings were chosen from noble birth, their leaders of their valour (7). Being counseled by the chiefs, the community, and priests concurring to make judgements and decisions. When there is a major conflict the whole community is involved to make judgments but in minor cases the chief will take the responsibility (11). When it comes to forcing obedience to a specific matter at hand priests are able to give authority (11). There are accusations that are forced in the community that will be handled before the council and from there punishments will be tested and varied with the degree of guilt. The German slaves were still in control of their own homes but they still imposed a will to their master. For entertainment and public shows the people involved are only rewarded with the pleasure they give the audience (24). They must win or else they will be put into slavery. Slaves were treated differently than how we treat our slaves (24).
The Chatti were described as great warriors and known for their war tactics. With their battle being quick because of their infantry (30). Being described as smart at war they are not a force to be reckon with. They have men picked to lead there battles and mapped out plays to infiltrate the enemies weakness. The Chatti have different aspects when speaking of the German folk. The Chatti have a rule in which once of age they let their hair grow full and their beards long to amplify a valour (31). They are of such men that even growing old they will still fight amongst their tribe because if shows great honor and discipline. The Rhine hosts the Usipi and Tencteri. The Tencteri were also great warriors like the Chatti. They excel in horsemanship and cavalry (32). They take great pride in their horses and families will hand down each horse to the noblest in the family, it does not have to be the oldest (32).
Next are the Chauci and they are described to be the noblest of the German people.

They keep quiet not seeking out war but always being ready with weapons in their hands (35). The have respect for the villages around them, they do not steal or create drama but they live in peace. In a sense that they do not think out of aggression (35). The Suebi actually constitute more than half of Germany and are made up of many different tribes with different names (38). Almost like their own nation with special characteristics. With their style being of hair being make-up being composed, it is only meant to sway their enemy in battle. There are many different tribes of the Suebi but the oldest of them are the Semnones (39).
Alongside the rive Elbe, the Marcomanni and Quadi have great power and with bravery they were able to drive out the Boii (42). They had kings that were intertwined with Rome and they were in need of assistance when it came to an army rather than financial (42). The behind of the Marcommani and Quadi, lives the Cotini and Osi where they actually did not speak a lick of German and were not considered German

(43).
The Germans may be described in these passages as barbaric and stupid but they were also quaint, and noble which led to some compensatory qualities. The Germans were described as being lazy unless ready for war, or sleeping the days away. But when it came to respect or nobility there was nothing to be tamed, especially in marriage. Germans were satisfied with one wife (18). Marriage was a huge factor amongst the German people. It was brought about from man to woman and they exchanged gifts for each other’s needs as this is a bond (18). They did not fool around or else they would be shunned in their community. When it came to friendliness there was a respect that each German would follow especially when the following neighbor would arrive at ones house. It is thought to be a sin if one German turns another away at their door (21). The host should have welcoming arms when a fellow countrymen and they should provide the finest meal that they are capable of making (21). It’s the fact that the trust between the Germans are strong and in other words loving. Even when the host runs out of food or cannot provide a basis of a meal, the host and the guest will arrive at the neighbor’s house with arms wide open (21). In some ways the Germans are honorable and other ways they are sought to be indolent.
Tacitus was able to describe politics, religion, and warfare of the Germanic people. Warfare seemed to be the most honorable and heroic amongst the German people. There was nothing superior than to go into battle, nothing else intrigued them. Politics were solved by the community as a whole and sentenced by the king, chief, or priest. The Germans worshipped many gods and were able to pray to them where ever they seemed fit.