Tácito

Publius Cornelius Tacitus is thought to have been born in Umbria (northern Italy) or Gallia Narbonensis, around the year 55 AD, and that he was still alive in 115, during the early years of Hadrian's reign (117-138). There is less doubt about his social status. A descendant of Cornelius Tacitus, who held the office of procurator in Gallia Belgica, he therefore belonged to a wealthy family, thanks to which he was able to attend good schools and have good teachers. Considered the most eloquent orator of his time, Tacitus attracted the attention of Vespasian (69-79), who granted him entry into the senatorial order around 74-75 and, later, that of Titus, who assigned him positions of the highest responsibility. Nerva (96-98), the first emperor of the Antonine dynasty, appointed him consul, and from 98 onwards, with Trajan in power, the writer's golden age began.