Tacitus: Histories Book I

As the first historical work by Rome's greatest historian, the Histories hold a crucial place in the study of Latin literature. Book I covers the beginning of the infamous "Year of the Four Emperors" (69 c.e.), which brought imperial Rome to the brink of destruction after the demise of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Its account of the ensuing power struggles is unmatched for detail and interest. This edition includes the Latin text and provides a complete commentary accessible to students of intermediate level as well as an extensive introduction discussing historical, literary and stylistic issues.
Edition of this crucial and exciting text suitable for students at intermediate level and above.
Cynthia Damon is Associate Professor of Classics at Amherst College and author of The Mask of the Parasite: A Pathology of Roman Patronage (1997).
"[Damon] is consistently sensitive to the needs of her audience. I anticipate that students will appreciate using this commentary, which offers just the right mixture of historical, literary and grammatical support. [Damon's] valuable contribution to the Cambridge series should certainly do much to make Histories I enjoyable for Tacitus' latest generation of readers." Bryn Mawr Classical Review