Cornelius Tacitus

Cornelii Taciti Annalium Cornelius Tacitus

Annalium libri XI-XII cover the reign of the Emperor Claudius, which is said to have been cruel and violent, and his relationship with his wives. His wife, the adulteress Messalina, is executed without any trial. Claudius marries Agrippina, who is famous for her wickedness. She poisons Claudius with the help of a female poisoner and his physician. So Claudius dies, which paves the way for the young Emperor Nero, Agrippina's son, instead of Messalina's son Britannicus. Claudius' last will is not read aloud, so that there shall not arise any hatred of the Roman people. The reader of Latin may expect an interesting, depressing, yet fascinating book from the point of view of the historian and politician Tacitus. The editor publishes these works without any omissions. This fascicle is faithful to the edition by Fridericus Haase in MDCCCLV.