Publius Cornelius Tacitus, a prominent figure in the Roman Empire, was a multi-talented individual who excelled as an orator, writer, historian, consul, senator, and governor. Renowned as one of the greatest Roman historians, Tacitus captivated audiences with his concise and powerful Latin prose, showcasing his deep understanding of the intricacies of power politics. Living during the Silver Age of Latin literature, he witnessed the reigns of ten different emperors and left behind a significant literary legacy. While only fragments of his works have survived, his major works, the ‘Annals’ and the ‘Histories’, provide unparalleled insights into the history of the Roman Empire, particularly during the reigns of Tiberius, Claudius, Nero, and the four emperors of 69 AD. Tacitus also explored various other subjects, including public speaking, Germania, and the remarkable life of his father-in-law, Agricola, a renowned general who conquered vast territories in Britannia.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Publius Cornelius Tacitus
- Died At Age: 64
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Julia Agricola
- Born Country: Romania
- Historians
- Political Leaders
- Died on: 120
- Place of death: Roman Empire
Childhood & Early Life
The information available about Tacitus’ life is limited. Most of the details that scholars know come from hints in his work, correspondences of his friend Pliny the Younger, and an inscription found at Mylasa in Caria. Tacitus was born in 56 or 57 to an equestrian family, but the exact date and place of his birth are unknown. His first name is also uncertain, with some sources referring to him as “Gaius” and others as “Publius”. There is speculation that his father may have been Cornelius Tacitus, who served as a procurator in Belgica and Germania. Tacitus’ close relationship with Pliny suggests that both came from affluent families. The province of his birth is debated, with some believing it was Gallia Belgica and others suggesting Gallia Narbonensis or northern Italy. There is evidence to suggest that Tacitus may have been of Celtic descent, as the Celts were known for their oratory skills.
Education & Career
Tacitus studied rhetoric in his youth, which prepared him for a career in law and politics. He likely received education from Quintilian, as did Pliny. He began his political career in 81 or 82 as a quaestor and gradually climbed the ranks before being appointed praetor in 88. He also became a member of the priestly college responsible for the Sibylline Books and the Secular Games. Tacitus gained popularity as a lawyer and orator, despite his cognomen “Tacitus” meaning “Silent”. He survived the reign of terror under Domitian and became one of the most vocal critics of tyranny. In 97, he was elected suffect consul and delivered a memorable funeral oration for a veteran soldier, solidifying his reputation as an orator. He took a break from public life and returned during the reign of Emperor Trajan. In 100, he served as a prosecutor in a corruption case and delivered powerful speeches. Tacitus then focused on writing his major works, the ‘Histories’ and the ‘Annals’. He served as the governor of the Roman province of Asia between 112 and 113.
Major Works
One of Tacitus’ early works was ‘De vita Iulii Agricolae’, a biography of his father-in-law, General Gnaeus Julius Agricola. It primarily focuses on Agricola’s campaign in Britannia. In ‘Germania’, Tacitus provides a sympathetic portrayal of the Germanic tribes outside of the Roman Empire, detailing their lands, laws, and customs. The authenticity of ‘Dialogus de oratoribus’ has been questioned, but it is attributed to Tacitus. The ‘Histories’ was published in 105, followed by the ‘Annals’ in 117. Together, they were intended to be a single edition of 30 books. The ‘Annals’ chronologically precedes the ‘Histories’ and covers the period from the death of Augustus in 14 AD to the death of Domitian in 96 AD. However, much of the text has been lost, and the narrative ends during the First Jewish-Roman War in 70 AD.
Family & Personal Life
Tacitus married Julia Agricola, the daughter of General Agricola and Domitia Decidiana, in 77 or 78. Not much is known about their domestic life, except that Tacitus had a passion for hunting and the outdoors. Tacitus’ wife and mother-in-law were alive at the time of his father-in-law’s death in 93. It is unclear if Tacitus had any children. According to the Augustan History, Emperor Marcus Claudius Tacitus believed himself to be a descendant of Tacitus and ordered the preservation of his works, but the accuracy of this claim is uncertain.
Death
The exact date of Tacitus’ death is unknown. A passage in the ‘Annals’ suggests that he died no later than 116, but it is possible that he died in the 120s or early 130s.