Assignment for Monday, February 23:

Read: Tacitus, Annals, Books 13-14.13 (Penguin, pp. 284-319)

NB: The last historian we will read is the Roman imperial historian Tacitus (ca. AD 55-117), writing a generation or so after Livy. We’ll be looking at his account of the emperor Nero (AD 54-68). This initial reading – Book 13 – covers most of the years AD 54-59, a five-year period or quinquennium during which Nero was commonly agreed to have been a 'good' ruler. With Book 14, his precipitous decline begins…

Presentation: Brendan, on end of 2nd Punic War in Polybius and Livy

Things to think about:

• It will be readily apparent, I think, that Tacitus is in many respects a very different historian from Herodotus, Thucydides, Polybius…and even Livy. An easy thing to say, a harder thing to pin down. But let’s give it a try. Come prepared to identify and discuss two or three aspects of Tacitus’ narrative which render it distinctive. And conversely, what does he appear to have in common with the other historians you’ve read (Beth’s presentation today might give you some clues as to how to think about this)?

• A persistent theme in Tacitus’ account of narrative is the theme of pretence. This takes many forms: lying, deceit, theatricality, disguise…anything, that is, that distorts or misrepresents reality. Be on the lookout for examples of this.

• Try to find some examples of where the ‘past’ (specifically, the Republican past) plays a role in decision-making or arguments. What does Tacitus’ own attitude toward the past seem to be? idealistic? realistic? disinterested?

Optional reading: In the category of ‘things you should read someday in connection with the theme of history and memory’ – David Lowenthal, The Past is a Foreign Country (Cambridge 1985). A much touted book about the nature of history (which includes a good discussion of the relationship of history and memory). Not on reserve, but available in the libraries.