1. Roman Biography continued Tacitus’ Agricola

2. Cornelius Tacitus c. 55 – c. 117 CE Greatest Roman Historian – immediately recognized by contemporaries Greatest Roman Historian – immediately recognized by contemporaries Friend of Pliny the Younger: “Your histories will be immortal”. (Epistles 7, 3) Friend of Pliny the Younger: “Your histories will be immortal”. (Epistles 7, 3) From prominent provincial family (Southern Gaul), father equestrian rank, held a financial position in Imperial administration From prominent provincial family (Southern Gaul), father equestrian rank, held a financial position in Imperial administration Details about himself in the Agricola Details about himself in the Agricola

3. Tacitus’ Career Studied rhetoric Studied rhetoric Delivered speeches in law courts – became noticed Delivered speeches in law courts – became noticed Marriage to daughter of influential Gallic senator and general, Iulius Agricola Marriage to daughter of influential Gallic senator and general, Iulius Agricola Marriage provided link to the Imperial court Marriage provided link to the Imperial court

4. Tacitus’ public career Under Vespasian (69-79) first public office Under Vespasian (69-79) first public office Under Titus (79-81) queaster (access to senate) Under Titus (79-81) queaster (access to senate) Under Domitian (81-96) praetor, senior provincial official 89 – 93 CE Under Domitian (81-96) praetor, senior provincial official 89 – 93 CE 97 CE Consulship 97 CE Consulship 112 CE proconsular governor of Asia 112 CE proconsular governor of Asia

5. Tacitus’ Works 98 CE - The Agricola, 98 CE - The Agricola, The Germania The Germania 109 CE Historiae (Histories) 109 CE Historiae (Histories) Annales Annales

6. The Agricola Biography of his father-in-law Iulius Agricola Biography of his father-in-law Iulius Agricola To some extent modeled on Roman funeral laudatio - but much more complex To some extent modeled on Roman funeral laudatio - but much more complex His first historical work – already contain elements of his historical approach: his moral, political, psychological ideas His first historical work – already contain elements of his historical approach: his moral, political, psychological ideas

7. The Agricola Biography – Biography – Other elements: ethnography (including geography, customs, political institutions of Britain 10-13 Other elements: ethnography (including geography, customs, political institutions of Britain 10-13