Germania was a region known to the Romans as being inhabited by “a distinct, unmixed
race, like none but themselves.” Prior to, and immediately following the beginning of the
Common Era, Rome expanded greatly under Cesar’s, and then later Octavian’s rule. Cesar
believed it to be more advantageous for Rome to focus on conquest and expansion to the
West, rather than attempt to gain fame and glory venturing east to Asia. Cesar’s expansion
would give the Roman Empire a much needed economic boost in its acquiring the natural
resources of regions such as Gaul and Germania. Though these regions were conquered by
Rome and placed under imperial rule; it was not an overtly oppressive rule. Rome
encouraged the assimilation and incorporation of these native tribes into larger Roman
culture and society. Undoubtedly Rome must’ve found these people fascinating, whether
or not they saw them as being a people with unique and complex societal structure or
simply as subhuman barbarians. From the writings of Tacitus from Germania, we can see
beyond the barbarian and delve into a truly fascinating society.
Tacitus writes as to explain the interworkings of German life. Though he doesn’t write of
them in a condescending or negative way. He endeavored to explain ideas and concepts
that would’ve obviously been strange to the Roman people of the time. Tacitus does not try
to condemn of demonize their behavior and customs. Even when he speaks of their sloth,
he writes not to immediately judge it, but to apply it to a functional practice within society.
