‘Nero was already corrupted by every lust, natural and unnatural’
The Annals of Imperial Rome recount the major historical events from the years shortly before the death of Augustus to the death of Nero in AD 68. With clarity and vivid intensity Tacitus describes the reign of terror under the corrupt Tiberius, the great fire of Rome during the time of Nero and the wars, poisonings, scandals, conspiracies and murders that were part of imperial life. Despite his claim that the Annals were written objectively, Tacitus’ account is sharply critical of the emperors’ excesses and fearful for the future of imperial Rome, while also filled with a longing for its past glories.
Michael Grant’s fine translation captures the moral tone, astringent wit and stylish vigour of the original. His introduction discusses the life and works of Tacitus and the historical context of the Annals. This edition also contains a key to place names and technical terms, maps, tables and suggestions for further reading.
The Annals of Imperial Rome
Translator's Introduction
1. The Life and Works of Tacitus
2. What Tacitus Inherited
3. Tacitus on Empire and Emporers
4. Tacitus and the World
5. The Style of Tacitus: Translator's Note
Imperial Rome
Part One: Tiberius
1. From Augustus to Tiberius (Bk, I. 1-15)
2. Mutiny on the Frontiers (I. 16-49)
3. War with the Germans (I. 49-II. 26)
4. The First Treason (II. 27-52)
5. The Death of Germanicus (II. 52-III. 19)
6. Tiberius and the Senate (III. 19-76)
7. Partner of My Labours (IV, V)
8. The Reign of Terror (VI)
Part Two: Claudius and Nero
9. The Fall of Messalina (XI)
10. The Mother of Nero (XII)
11. The Fall of Agrippina (XIII, I-XIV. 13)
12. Nero and his Helpers (XIV. 14-65)
13. Eastern Settlement (XV. 1-32)
14. The Burning of Rome (XV. 32-47)
15. The Plot (XV. 48-74)
16. Innocent Victims (XVI)
List of Roman Emporers
Lists of Some Eastern Monarchs
Key to Technical Terms
Key to Place-Names
Genealogical Tables
Further Reading
index of Personal Names
