656. Agricola by Tacitus- summary

656.  Agricola by Tacitus.  Gnaeus Julius Agricola was the father in law of Tacitus.  It is the story of a man who with great energy and ability lived in such a way to rise to great importance and eventually the consulship and governor of Briton.  He pacified the tribes and began the process of assimilation in a series of brilliant campaigns.  To rise to importance he carefully refused praise and kept his energy in check.  Seems to me that Tacitus was a man who had warmth for freedom of thought but embraced the political stability of the Empire, who saw the balance between the two completely dependent upon the disposition of the Princeps. This is the first time I have sensed conflict in Tacitus.  An active insightful brain trapped in a world whose order he appreciated but  whose imperial dominance he despised.  He also seems to burden himself with guilt for his submission to playing whatever part was demanded by the personality of the Princeps.