Arminius and Flavus across the Weser

Abstract

Tac. <i>Ann</i>. 2.9–10 is dense with allusions to Livy's early republican narrative. This paper seeks to show that, when read in light of these, the scene prompts reflection on how Rome has changed since the Republic, specifically, in its relationship to <i>libertas</i>, in its army's reliance on auxiliary forces, and in its acquisition of an empire. The paper further argues that <i>Ann</i>. 2.9–10 is recalled in later passages of the <i>Annals</i> (2.88, 11.16–17) in ways that affect our understanding of the importance of it and its themes within Tacitus's representation of the function of his work.