Germania

Tacitus

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noble germanic tribes culture

ethnographic study of northern europe

contrast roman decadence

moralistic tone and clarity

historical analysis of tribes

german character and habits

simple lives and virtues

thematic sections and concise pacing

mythological influences on culture

improving roman society

'Germania' by Tacitus provides a detailed account of various Germanic tribes outside the Roman Empire during the First and Second Centuries. Tacitus describes the culture, customs, and society of these tribes positively, portraying them as moral people living simple lives. The author compares the Germanic tribes favorably with old-fashioned Roman Republican ideals, expressing admiration for their virtues. Despite a pro-German bias, Tacitus aims to improve Roman society by highlighting the noble aspects of German culture. offers a unique insight into the Germany of late Rome, with clear descriptions of the German character, habits, strengths, and weaknesses.

Characters:

The tribes are depicted as noble and virtuous, influenced by mythological figures, with Tacitus as a reflective Roman critic.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by clarity and thoroughness, with a moralistic tone and an interplay of factual and mythological elements.

Plot/Storyline:

The work presents an ethnographic study of northern European tribes, contrasting their virtues with Roman decadence, and provides detailed historical analysis.

Setting:

The setting includes northern Europe, focusing on the geography and tribes living outside of Rome.

Pacing:

The pacing is concise and structured, divided into thematic sections, though some parts may feel superficial.

Notes:

Germania is an account of northern European tribes that resisted Roman conquest.

Tacitus wrote Germania around 98 CE, providing a rare glimpse into early Germanic culture.

He contrasts the noble character of German tribes with the decadence of Rome.

Tacitus' portrayal of Germans includes both facts and idealized descriptions.

He emphasizes the Germans' monogamous relationships and family values.

Tacitus describes the geography and climate of Germany in detail.

He believed freedom and simplicity of the Germans were preferable to Roman luxury.

Tacitus highlights Germanic bravery, honor, and fidelity in his writing.

The Germans did not call themselves Germans; this name was given by the Romans.

He mentions several mythological figures like Hercules and Ulysses in his discussions.

Tacitus considers German tribal infighting a benefit for Rome, preventing united opposition.

He admired the simplicity of German life as a moral contrast to Roman corruption.

The book details various German tribes, their customs, and their geographical locations.

Important German tribes mentioned include the Anglii, who later invaded and renamed England.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Tacitus’ work influenced ideas about German superiority.

His writings, while moralistic, are considered credible due to the author's meticulousness.

From The Publisher:

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

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