The Roman senator and historian Publius Cornelius Tacitus (55-120) held the highest political offices under several emperors. From 88 he was praetor, from 97 consul and from 112 governor of the province of Asia. He was considered one of the most important orators of his time; his oratory was stylistically oriented towards Cicero (curiously, Tacitus means "the silent one"). Tacitus was committed to the maxim "sine ira et studio" (Latin for "without anger and zeal" = praise no one too much and hate no one), but often did not adhere to this principle and took sides. He wrote an extensive work of cultural history, but only dared to publish his writings after the death of the dictatorial Emperor Domitian (51-96). For he basically rejected the monarchy and repeatedly lamented the loss of senatorial freedom.
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