Tacitus View on The German Character
The author of Germany, more specifically, The German Character, was the Roman orator, Tacitus, also known as Publius Cornelius Tacitus, or Gaius Cornelius Tacitus. This great historian and prose stylist was born in ad 56 and died in c.120. Germany was written as a descriptive piece to explain the Germanic tribes on the Roman frontier of the Rhine. Tacitus uses this writing to historically introduce the Germans, and to show appreciation for the German lifestyle. He emphasizes their simple virtues, in contrast to the decrease in moral values that modern day Romans had succumbed to during this time. Readers of this piece, particularly Germans, might feel that Tacitus’ own opinion and prejudices bleed through …show more content…
He begins by pointing out the Germans strong belief in freedom, their ability to fight and their devotion to family. He describes their dress, traditions, culture, and climate. These traits could make the Germans a potential threat to the Roman people and their way of life. He exposes the reader to which tribes are loyal to Rome, and which tribes could be detrimental to Roman society. Tacitus does give an accurate description of the people of Germany and their traditions, but it also is used as a warning to the people of Rome concerning freedom and self-preservation of their …show more content…
Marriage is among the most moral of practices, it is highly regarded and very strict. He goes to explain further that the Germans only have one wife, with the exception of a few political ranking officials, who practice polygamy. The spouses are devoted to chastity, and adultery is rare among them. The German children grow up being nursed by their own mother, not by servants and nurses. Unlike the Romans, the Germans find themselves equals with their slaves. With regards to heirs of their estates, Tacitus explains, “A person’s own children, however, are his heairs and successors; and no wills are made. (594) At this point, you must realize the differences in cultures between the Germans and the Romans that Tacitus continues to painstakingly point
The author of Germany, more specifically, The German Character, was the Roman orator, Tacitus, also known as Publius Cornelius Tacitus, or Gaius Cornelius Tacitus. This great historian and prose stylist was born in ad 56 and died in c.120. Germany was written as a descriptive piece to explain the Germanic tribes on the Roman frontier of the Rhine. Tacitus uses this writing to historically introduce the Germans, and to show appreciation for the German lifestyle. He emphasizes their simple virtues, in contrast to the decrease in moral values that modern day Romans had succumbed to during this time. Readers of this piece, particularly Germans, might feel that Tacitus’ own opinion and prejudices bleed through …show more content…
He begins by pointing out the Germans strong belief in freedom, their ability to fight and their devotion to family. He describes their dress, traditions, culture, and climate. These traits could make the Germans a potential threat to the Roman people and their way of life. He exposes the reader to which tribes are loyal to Rome, and which tribes could be detrimental to Roman society. Tacitus does give an accurate description of the people of Germany and their traditions, but it also is used as a warning to the people of Rome concerning freedom and self-preservation of their …show more content…
Marriage is among the most moral of practices, it is highly regarded and very strict. He goes to explain further that the Germans only have one wife, with the exception of a few political ranking officials, who practice polygamy. The spouses are devoted to chastity, and adultery is rare among them. The German children grow up being nursed by their own mother, not by servants and nurses. Unlike the Romans, the Germans find themselves equals with their slaves. With regards to heirs of their estates, Tacitus explains, “A person’s own children, however, are his heairs and successors; and no wills are made. (594) At this point, you must realize the differences in cultures between the Germans and the Romans that Tacitus continues to painstakingly point