The Annals - Book 2 - (A.D. 16-19)
The Annals - Book 2 - (A.D. 16-19) is the second book of the Roman historian Tacitus's historical work, The Annals. It covers the events of the years 16-19 AD, the third to sixth years of the reign of the Roman emperor Tiberius.
The book begins with a description of a series of natural disasters that struck the Roman Empire in 16 AD, including floods, earthquakes, and a famine. Tacitus then turns to the political events of the time, which were dominated by the growing conflict between Tiberius and the Senate.
Tacitus describes a number of important events that took place during Tiberius's third to sixth years in power, including:
- The trial and execution of Cremutius Cordus, a historian who was accused of criticizing the emperor and his family
- The death of Drusus Caesar, Tiberius's son
- The exile of Agrippina the Elder and her two sons, Nero and Drusus
- The appointment of Sejanus as Tiberius's praetorian prefect
- The growing power and influence of Sejanus
Tacitus's Annals is one of the most important sources of information about the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD. He was a skilled writer and a keen observer of human nature. His work is full of vivid descriptions and insightful analyses.
Here are some of the key themes of The Annals - Book 2 - (A.D. 16-19):
- The dangers of free speech and the importance of historical truth
- The relationship between the emperor and the Senate
- The rise and fall of Sejanus
- The growing power of the praetorian guard
- The importance of family and loyalty in Roman politics
Tacitus's Annals is a complex and challenging work, but it is also a rewarding one. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Roman Empire.