The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus

Cornelius Tacitus · c. 98 CE (Germany and Agricola; Agricola probably shortly after Domitian’s death, 96 CE) primary

passage 76 of 88 · (76/88)

in brief

The notes continue contextualizing Agricola’s Life with references and identifications—Roman offices, provincial administration, prominent individuals (e.g., Julius Graecinus, Marcus Silanus), and events tied to emperors like Caligula and Nero.

THE LIFE OF CNAEUS JULIUS AGRICOLA.

[1] Rutilius was consul B.C. 104; and for his upright life and great strictness was banished B.C. 92. Tacitus is the only writer who says he wrote his own life. Athenaeus mentions that he wrote a history of the affairs of Rome in the Greek language. Scaurus was consul B.C. 114, and again B.C. 106. He is the same Scaurus whom Sallust mentions as having been bribed by Jugurtha. As the banishment of Rutilius took place on the accusation of Scaurus, it is possible that, when the former wrote his life, the latter also wrote his, in order to defend himself from charges advanced against him.

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topics: corruption, patronage, and bribery · counsel and advisers to rulers · empire and the rule of provinces

The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus · Cornelius Tacitus · 96–98