Subversive Geography in Tacitus' Germania. (8th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Zoë M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of Roman studies. Volume 104(2014)
• Page Start: 181
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2014-04-08
• Subjects: Rome -- Antiquities -- Periodicals; Inscriptions, Latin -- Periodicals; Rome -- History -- Periodicals; 870
• DOI: 10.1017/S0075435814000021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0075-4358

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Geography is a fundamental element of ancient ethnography, yet the account of the environment in Tacitus' <italic>Germania</italic> is notably sparse. Standard elements of geographic description are absent, or are presented in restricted (and subversive) ways. This paper examines the presentation and structuring of Germanic spaces against a backdrop of contrasting contemporary geographic writings, and considers the implications of Tacitus' rejection of geographic norms.</p> </abstract>