The Annals of Imperial Rome

Tacitus
The Annals of Imperial Rome

The Annals of Imperial Rome
ISBN: 9780140440607
Publication Date: 31 December 1963

The Annals of Imperial Rome recount the major historical events from the years shortly before the death of Augustus to the death of Nero in AD 68. With clarity and vivid intensity Tacitus describes the reign of terror under the corrupt Tiberius, the great fire of Rome during the time of Nero, and the wars, poisonings, scandals, conspiracies and murders that were part of imperial life. Despite his claim that the Annals were written objectively, Tacitus' is sharply critical of the emperors' excesses and fearful for the future of Imperial Rome, while also filled with a longing or its past glories.

Michael Grant's fine translation captures the moral tone, astringent with and stylish vigour of the original. This edition also includes a key to place names and technical terms, maps, tables and suggestions for further reading.

About the Author

Tacitus studied rhetoric in Rome and rose to eminence as a pleader at the Roman Bar. In 77 he married the daughter of Agricola, conqueror of Britain, of whom he later wrote a biography. His other works includethe Germania and the Historiae.