Tacitus demonstrated and presented couple examples of ethnographies in his work on Agricola and Germania. With his work on both pieces, Tacitus lures his audience through his observation of different ethnic groups and there diverse customs from one another. Tacitus work on Germania focused on the various Germanic groups; while Agricola concentrated its attention on Tacitus father in-law Julius Agricola who through him saw ethnography on the various people of the ancient Britain. In both of his work Tacitus depicted the cultures, practices, and institutions of various ethnic groups. Tacitus uses all of these given points and subject topics, to demonstrate and prove a moral/ political point. .
The use of ethnography by Tacitus was not only a way of comparing and contrasting the different ethnic groups but to expose the unethical political practices; by attempting to use a moral approach. .
This paper will discuss and analyze the difference between Romans and Germanic ethnic groups. It would also shine the light upon both their similarities and their differences, but also this paper would incorporate the thoughts of Tacitus regarding Rome and its various political aspects as well as the Germanics. .
Tacitus viewed Romans and their empire as an imperialism one with no luck or hope of bettering themselves. He believed that Romans current form of government would eventually rip apart the empire and its people; if continued to suppress the people freedom and their rights to the truth. The government believed that it could silence the voice of Rome and overpower the freedom of the Senate and men's knowledge of the truth (Tacitus, Agricola Ch. 2). To further show his miss-approval of the Roman Empire imperial ways; Tacitus talks about the fact that every major decisions concerning the empire rested into Domitian's hands. With such powers between his hands explained Tacitus, Domitian had the ability to silence both his opposition and citizens who disapproved of his way of ruling.