Tacitus’ The Annals of Imperial Rome stands as one of the most significant works of ancient historical writing, chronicling with profound depth and insight the history of the Roman Empire during the tumultuous first century A.D. This enduring masterpiece vividly captures the major events from just before the death of Augustus in AD 14 through to the dramatic end of Nero’s reign in AD 68.
With sharp clarity and unparalleled intensity, Tacitus recounts a period of imperial excess marked by intrigue, scandal, and brutality. From the reign of terror under the deeply corrupt and paranoid Tiberius to the devastation of the Great Fire of Rome and Nero’s notorious persecution of Christians, Tacitus explores the poisonings, conspiracies, wars, and power struggles that defined life under the Caesars.
While claiming impartiality, Tacitus’ writing is anything but detached. His accounts are laced with sharp critiques of the emperors’ moral failures and an aching sense of disillusionment with the direction of imperial rule. Yet his words are also suffused with a longing for Rome’s lost ideals—a vision of moral rectitude and past glory that seemed forever out of reach.
This edition presents Tacitus’ seminal work with a fresh perspective, offering modern readers a lens into the political machinations, societal turmoil, and enduring legacy of one of history’s most fascinating empires. A timeless exploration of power, corruption, and the fragility of civilization, The Annals of Imperial Rome remains as compelling today as when it was first written.