Tacitus' 'The Annals' is a masterpiece of Roman historical literature, providing a detailed account of the reigns of Roman emperors Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. Written in a concise and powerful style, Tacitus uses his work to critique the moral decline of Roman society under the despotic rule of these emperors. The book is a key source for understanding the political intrigues, conspiracies, and atrocities that characterized this period in Roman history. Tacitus' use of irony and su ...