"The Annals" is a history of the Roman Empire from the death of Augustus to that of Nero, the years AD 14–68, covering the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero. As a senator, Tacitus had access to Acta Senatus, the Roman senate's records, thus providing a solid basis for his work. Along with The Histories, The Annals provide a key source for modern understanding of the history of the Roman Empire during the 1st century AD._x000D_ "The Histories" is a Roman historical chronicle and it covers the Year of Four Emperors following the downfall of Nero in 68 AD, a year in the history of the Roman Empire in which four emperors ruled in succession: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian. The mode of their accession showed that because imperial power was based on the support of the legions, an emperor could now be chosen not only at Rome, but anywhere in the empire where sufficient legions were amassed. The style of narration is rapid, reflecting the speed of the events. The narrative rhythm leaves no space to slow down or digress. To write effectively in this style, Tacitus had to summarize substantial information from his sources._x000D_ _x000D_

Publius Cornelius Tacitus, a paramount figure in the study of Roman history, was an illustrious historian and senator of the Roman Empire, whose works have deeply influenced understanding of Roman society and governance. Tacitus is best known for two substantial historical texts, 'The Annals' and 'The Histories,' which cover the Roman Empire from the death of Augustus (AD 14) to the end of the Flavian dynasty (AD 96). These narratives are esteemed for providing a detailed and often critical portrayal of the imperial system and its leaders, containing both political analysis and moral insights. Tacitus's literary style is marked by concise and poignant Latin, which not only lends his texts an enduring literary quality but also a complexity that has challenged translators and scholars alike. His writing is characterized by a penetrating skepticism of power, a subtle use of irony, and an unwavering moral seriousness, making his historical accounts stand out for their penetrating character sketches and the dramatic rendering of events. Tacitus's contributions to historical methodology and his profound influence on both historiography and political thought have made him a touchstone for historians and political theorists contemplating the cycles of power and the nature of statecraft.