The Histories
Tacitus' account of the tumultuous years A.D. 69-70, covering the civil war following Nero's death, the rise and fall of four emperors, and the revolt on the Rhine. The work vividly portrays the struggle for the throne between Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian, demonstrating the power of the legions and the fragility of imperial authority.
Divisions
- Book I0 / 0
The fight for the throne begins with Galba's rule, Otho's rise, and Vitellius' proclamation by the German armies.
- Book II0 / 0
Vespasian emerges as a rival, Otho's defeat at Bedriacum, his suicide, and Vitellius' weak principate begin.
- Book III0 / 125
Antonius Primus advances for Vespasian, Caecina's treachery, and the decisive battles of Bedriacum and Cremona unfold.
- Book IV0 / 0
Vitellius falls, Rome is captured, and Civilis' revolt on the Rhine disrupts the Rhine frontier provinces.
- Book V0 / 0
Titus conducts the siege of Jerusalem, and Cerialis suppresses the German and Gallic revolts.