30 pages • 1 hour read
TacitusAgricola
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 98A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Agricola by Tacitus is an essay and biography written around 98 AD that praises Tacitus's father-in-law, Roman general Gnaeus Julius Agricola, explores his life and military career, particularly in Britannia, discusses the politics of the Roman Empire under different emperors, and meditates on tyranny and legacy. The work serves as both a tribute to Agricola and a funeral oration. It discusses violence, war, and oppression.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Agricola by Tacitus is lauded for its insightful historical narration and vivid portrayal of Roman and British cultures. Critics appreciate the skillful blend of biography and ethnography, though some find its bias towards Agricola distracting. The prose is engaging, but requires patience due to its dense classical style. Overall, it offers a rich glimpse into ancient history and Roman imperialism.
Who Should Read Agricola?
Readers who relish Agricola by Tacitus are typically history enthusiasts or scholars interested in Roman Britain and military leadership. They often appreciate works like The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon for their rich historical narratives and analysis of classical antiquity.