“Missed Alexander»: some Aspects of the Image of Germanicus in Tacitus

Abstract

The article deals with a comparison of Alexander the Great and Germanicus, which made Tacitus (Tac. Ann., II, 73). It is probably a literary device by which Tacitus not only demonstrates the superiority of the Roman general of Alexander, but also expresses a hidden criticism of the emperor Tiberius. From the point of view of Tacitus, Germanicus would have surpassed his successes Alexander if he had a monarchical power. In general, this comparison demonstrates the shift towards monarchism: Livy showed how generals succeeded, despite the fact that they had no monarchical power, Tacitus emphasizes that the lack of power prevented Germanicus win and realize his brilliant quality.