This now-classic work seeks to place Tacitus in his social and political context. Syme not only analyzes in detail Tacitus's writings, their development and style, but also his political career, using his progress through government to illustrate the process that brought new men from the western provinces to success and primacy at Rome.
The whole setting of Galba's reign took on a sharp and contemporary significance. When an audience listened to the recitation of Book I of the Historiae, scene, persons, and events leapt into life, startling and terrifying. (查看原文)
The septuagenarian Princeps lacked the decision and energy to direct affairs or even to discipline his own entourage. They intrigued and trafficked, dilapidating the public funds. New sources of revenue were hard to find. An attempt was made to recoup the treasury by penalizing the favourites and beneficiaries of Nero, but little came of it---and the Guard was clamorous for its donative. Once the government got itself disliked, nothing it did could fail to increase its unpopularity. The Emperor's person became an object of derision, detrimentally compared with Nero. (查看原文)
罗纳德·塞姆 作者
哲夫成城
还没人写过短评呢
还没人写过短评呢