Write An Essay On Tacitus Germania

Germania, written by Roman author Tacitus, presents several examples throughout his work informing the reader of the various groups of the Germanic people. He presents detailed descriptions of culture and customs of different ethnic groups. Tacitus, being Roman, does not describe the Germans completely negatively, but rather describes them as sometimes living a simpler, more pure lifestyle than his more excessive Roman contemporaries. Tacitus uses the category of ethnicity and race to define people as a disguise to the threats that the Germanic tribes posed to the Roman Empire. Tacitus portrays the Germani as barbarians from an unpleasant and isolated land with a bitter climate range. He later concludes the people of Germania to be of a native

He sees the tribes to be free from taint. For example, the Chatti tribe was known for their wisdom, intelligence and hardiness (49). The Chauci were acknowledged as the noblest people throughout Germania (51). Tacitus often described the warlike nature of the tribes, concluding that he wanted to focus on the dangers they presented to the Roman Empire. While reading the work of Tacitus, it was almost encouraging to compare Roman values with Germanic values. The criticism of Rome was first introduced by Calgacus’s speech in Agricola. Tacitus defines them as people with overwhelming greed and arrogance. However, Tacitus praised the people of Germania for their lifestyle and warrior courage although he believed they were barbarians. Though Tacitus at times writes critically of the Germanic people for their tendency of laziness and drunkenness, he also stresses their simplicity, bravery, honor and loyalty. Tacitus is able to define Rome as a corrupting force with luxury and excess possessions without ever criticizing Roman culture. Therefore, Tacitus uses the category of ethnicity and race to define people as a disguise to the threats that the Germanic tribes posed to the Roman