Cornelius Tacitus

Cornelius Tacitus, (c. 56-120 AD). Roman historian. During his distinguished career as a lawyer and in public service he wrote works on oratory, biography, and geography. He then began work on the Histories (c. 100) and the Annals (c. 115), which are the most reliable sources for the history of Rome between 14 and 70 AD. Tacitus’s concise style and his vivid narrative and characterization have earned him a place amongst the world’s greatest historians. He enjoyed an eminent reputation in his own time, as is evident from the praise given to him by Pliny in his letters.