Works of Tacitus

The historical writings of Tacitus offer a profound exploration of Roman history from A.D. 14 to 96, spanning thirty volumes. While many of his works have been lost‚Aîonly books 1-5 of the Histories and 1-6 and 11-16 of the Annals survive‚Aîwhat remains provides rich insights into Tacituss political and moral philosophy. He emphasized the need for strong leaders while advocating for better management of power succession and the elevation of capable individuals. Tacitus argued that the dynastic ambitions of Romes emperors led to a decline in moral and political integrity, hindering the recruitment of truly talented leaders. Furthermore, he highlighted how these dynastic temptations fueled political instability, making military force necessary for political change. His writings underscore the importance of systematic institutional checks on power to safeguard liberty. Gordon‚As translation, along with his extensive Discourses on Tacitus, brings these timeless ideas into contemporary rele