# Germania

> historical and ethnographic work by Publius Cornelius Tacitus

**Wikidata**: [Q428114](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q428114)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germania_(book))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/germania

## Summary
Germania is a historical and ethnographic work written by the Roman historian Publius Cornelius Tacitus around 98 CE. It provides a detailed account of the Germanic tribes, their customs, and their interactions with the Roman Empire.

## Key Facts
- Author: Publius Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman historian and senator (c. 56 – c. 120 CE).
- Publication date: Approximately 98 CE.
- Country of origin: Roman Empire.
- Genre: Historical and ethnographic work.
- Language: Latin.
- Wikidata description: "historical and ethnographic work by Publius Cornelius Tacitus."
- Sitelink count: 38 (across Wikipedia language editions).
- Aliases: "Tac. Ger.," "The Germania."
- Instance of: Q7725634 (historical and ethnographic work).
- Publication date: +0098-00-00T00:00:00Z.
- Country of origin: Q2277 (Roman Empire).

## FAQs
**What is Germania about?**
Germania is an ethnographic and historical account of the Germanic tribes, detailing their customs, warfare, and interactions with the Roman Empire. It provides insights into the culture and society of the Germanic peoples during the early Roman Empire.

**Who wrote Germania?**
Germania was written by Publius Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman historian and senator known for his works *Annals*, *Histories*, and *Germania*.

**When was Germania written?**
Germania was written around 98 CE, during the reign of Emperor Trajan.

**What is the significance of Germania?**
Germania is a primary source for understanding the Germanic tribes and their interactions with Rome. It remains a foundational text in the study of Roman history and ethnography.

**How does Germania differ from Tacitus's other works?**
While *Annals* and *Histories* focus on Roman political and military history, *Germania* is an ethnographic work that explores the customs and culture of the Germanic tribes.

## Why It Matters
Germania is a seminal work in the field of ethnography and Roman history. It provides one of the earliest and most detailed accounts of the Germanic tribes, offering insights into their customs, warfare, and interactions with the Roman Empire. As a primary source, it has been instrumental in shaping the understanding of Germanic culture and its relationship with Rome. Tacitus's work has influenced generations of historians and scholars, making it a cornerstone of historical and ethnographic studies. Its significance extends beyond academia, as it has also shaped cultural and political narratives about the Germanic peoples and their role in European history.

## Notable For
- Being one of the earliest ethnographic works on the Germanic tribes.
- Providing a detailed account of Germanic customs, warfare, and interactions with Rome.
- Serving as a primary source for the study of Roman history and ethnography.
- Influencing generations of historians and scholars.
- Being written by Publius Cornelius Tacitus, a renowned Roman historian and senator.

## Body

### Author and Historical Context
Germania was written by Publius Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman historian and senator who lived from approximately 56 to 120 CE. Tacitus is best known for his works *Annals*, *Histories*, and *Germania*, which provide critical documentation of Roman history and the cultures of the Germanic tribes. He served in the Roman military and later held political office in the Roman Senate, experiences that informed his historical writings.

### Content and Themes
Germania is an ethnographic and historical account of the Germanic tribes, detailing their customs, warfare, and interactions with the Roman Empire. The work explores the social structures, religious practices, and daily life of the Germanic peoples, offering a comprehensive view of their culture. Tacitus's writing is characterized by its objectivity and analytical approach, providing a nuanced perspective on the Germanic tribes and their relationship with Rome.

### Historical Significance
Germania is a primary source for understanding the Germanic tribes and their interactions with the Roman Empire. It remains a foundational text in the study of Roman history and ethnography, influencing generations of historians and scholars. The work has shaped the narrative of Germanic culture and its role in European history, making it a cornerstone of historical and ethnographic studies.

### Publication and Legacy
Germania was written around 98 CE, during the reign of Emperor Trajan. It has been widely studied and appreciated for its historical value, serving as a primary source for the study of Germanic tribes and their interactions with Rome. The work has influenced numerous historians and scholars, shaping the narrative of Roman and Germanic history for centuries to come.

### Related Works and Influence
Germania is part of Tacitus's broader body of work, which includes *Annals*, *Histories*, and *Agricola*. These works provide critical documentation of Roman history and the cultures of the Germanic tribes. Tacitus's writings have influenced generations of historians and scholars, making him a foundational figure in the study of Roman and Germanic history.

### Cultural and Academic Impact
Germania has had a lasting impact on historical scholarship, providing critical documentation of the Germanic tribes and their interactions with Rome. It remains a primary source for the study of Roman history and ethnography, influencing generations of historians and scholars. The work has shaped the narrative of Germanic culture and its role in European history, making it a cornerstone of historical and ethnographic studies.

### Preservation and Study
Germania has been preserved and studied for centuries, with numerous editions and translations available. It is widely regarded as a foundational text in the study of Roman history and ethnography, and its influence extends beyond academia, shaping cultural and political narratives about the Germanic peoples and their role in European history.

## References

1. Cassell's Dictionary of Norse Myth & Legend (2002 edition)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. PHI Latin Texts
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [The Germania by P. Cornelius Tacitus | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL1108320W/Germania?edition=key%3A/books/OL6585374M)
7. FactGrid
8. [Source](https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/abbrevhelp)