Tacitus: Annals Book XV

Helps students and instructors read and appreciate this extraordinary piece of historical writing about Nero's infamous reign as emperor.

Tacitus (Author), Rhiannon Ash (Edited by)

9781107009783, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 December 2017

382 pages, 2 maps
22.3 x 14.3 x 2.2 cm, 0.55 kg

'Among many fine observations which are contained in RA's commentary, I find her subtle treatment of Tacitus' style, especially as viewed as a means to convey his message, particularly valuable.' Jakub Pigo?, Censurae Librorum

Tacitus' account of Nero's principate is an extraordinary piece of historical writing. His graphic narrative (including Annals XV) is one of the highlights of the greatest surviving historian of the Roman Empire. It describes how the imperial system survived Nero's flamboyant and hedonistic tenure as emperor, and includes many famous passages, from the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64 to the city-wide party organised by Nero's praetorian prefect, Tigellinus, in Rome. This edition unlocks the difficulties and complexities of this challenging yet popular text for students and instructors alike. It elucidates the historical context of the work and the literary artistry of the author, as well as explaining grammatical difficulties of the Latin for students. It also includes a comprehensive introduction discussing historical, literary and stylistic issues.

List of maps
Preface
List of abbreviations
Introduction
1. Tacitus
2. The sources, historiography, and Nero
3. Annals 15: structure and artistry
4. Parthia and Armenia
5. The perils of gloria: Corbulo and Seneca
6. The Pisonian conspiracy
7. Speeches, style, and language
8. Manuscripts
Corneli Taciti Ab Excessv Divi Augusti Liber Qvintvsdecimvs
Commentary
Select bibliography
Indexes
1. General index
2. Latin words.

Subject Areas: Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], Literary studies: classical, early & medieval [DSBB], Language: history & general works [CBX]