Essay Questions

What is the difference between Tiberius and Nero according to Tacitus?

Tacitus is a historian and he has a deeper understanding of the Roman Empire and its leadership. Both Tiberius and Nero have had an opportunity of being the rulers of Rome but at different times. Their leadership style differs greatly. Tiberius accepts criticism and he encourages his aids and friends to tell him the truth no matter what situation. He is not opposed to criticism because that makes his leadership stronger. Despite Tiberius being an authoritarian and dictator, Tacitus agrees that he is a good leader. On the other hand, Nero is the kind of leader who does not want criticism. His close aids and friends only tell him things that make him happy including lies. Nero is an evil man and does everything to ensure that no one is opposing him.

How does the theme of dishonesty become obvious in The Annals by Tacitus?

According to Tacitus, the level of political exploitation in the empire is unexplainable. The Senate is supposed to be people-centered and serve the interest of all citizens but it has been converted into a money minting factory for the few leaders. Senate leaders are money hungry and they are telling the King lies to make him happy. Nero is only ready to be told things that praise him and make him contented. The affluent senate men have taken this advantage to swindle funds and tell the king what he wants to hear. The emperor is not ready to entertain public opinion and this gives the senate leaders a leeway to engage in corruption.

Among the three reigns discussed by Tacitus in The Annals by Tacitus, who is the best ruler and why?

The three supremacies discussed by Tacitus were headed by three kings namely Augustus, Tiberius, and Nero respectively. Each ruler had own leadership style and interests. Out of the three leaders, Tacitus explains that Augustus was the finest because he used his power to stabilize Rome in terms of concord and affluence. He did everything within his power to ensure that the kingdom was peaceful. Tacitus argues that starting a war and winning it does not mean that the leader is heroic. Tiberius and Nero did not prioritize the peace and stability of the people because they always looked forward to formulating strategies of winning battles.