Germania: Tacitus’ Perceptions of Pax Romana Rome Essay -- Roman Histo

Germania Tacitus Perceptions of Pax Romana capital of Italy While the early 2nd century is usually considered to be the superlative of the Roman Empire, closer examinations reveal a deteriorating state hiding behind a faade of power and wealth. As modern day historian C. rabbit warren Hollister described, life in Romes golden suppurate could be pleasant enough if one were male, adult, very wealthy, and naturally immune to various epiphytotic diseases. But if this was humanitys happiest time, God help us all (14). Living during this time period, Cornelius Tacitus perceived of the rust slowly consuming through Romes golden shine. He writes, the destinies of the Empire have passed their zenith, predicting the end of an era 300 years before it occurred (33). He makes this conclusion based on observations of a deterioration of loyalty to the Empire due to weakened patriotism and societal values. His criticisms on the flaws of the Empire are interwoven into the text of his Ger mania, some being clear while others are more discreet. Written in 98 AD, Germania is a description of barbarian lifestyle and culture that Tacitus compiled from different accounts and sources. What makes it a somewhat fallible historical source is that Tacitus interjects the text with his own opinions about the Empire. For example, Tacitus cynicism with the supposed power and strength of the Empire is revealed through his descriptions of the strength of the Germans. In this time period, the Empire represent the paragon of strength in a society, but Tacitus immediately brings attention to the hardiness and unity of the Germans in their barbaric wasteland. While the Romans enjoyed a temperate Mediterranean climate, the Germans lived in a place where t... ...able and foresees the fall of the Western Empire three centuries years later. He even says that the Empire was still standing because the Germans were too busy fighting each other, and that Fortune can guarantee us not hing better than discord among our foes (33). Tacitus insight on the weaknesses of the Empire during its so-called golden age should press modern readers to re-evaluate preconceptions of the Pax Romana. Although Germania may paint a biased picture of the Germans living at the time period, Tactius work is valuable because of the interesting perceptions it conveys. full treatment CitedHollister, C. Warren. Medieval Europe A Short History. 8th ed. Boston McGraw Hill, 1998.Tacitus. Dialogus, Agricola, Germania. Trans. Maurice Hutton. London Heineman, 1914. IN Readings in Medieval History. 2nd ed. Ed. Patrick J. Geary. Toronto Broadview, 1997.