Quote Originally Posted by Philipvs Vallindervs Calicvla View Post
He's also notorious for hating Nero as the original Domitian, whom he held responsible for the death of his beloved Father in Law, it doesn't automatically invalidate his account.
Tacitus' Annales need to be read with a cautious and careful eye, as he is a master of adding layers to his account, and picking through his use of hearsay/rumour, his use of facts and archival reports, and his own interpretation is difficult.

As regards Germanicus in particular, we can read at least a partially contradictory account in the Annales - scholars may argue that Germanicus' role is played up as a foil to Tiberius, to contrast with the latter's "bad behaviour" (as judged by an assumed standard in imperial behaviour - Tacitus can be argued to be putting this forward throughout the Annales - apologies for merely referring to it without detail). On on the other hand, Germanicus' behaviour and success to failure ratio point to something slightly different: he is not the "glorious successor" that one might easily assume/Augustus was (maybe) hoping for.

So, all in all: CAUTION!

And another apology: I have not referenced my "scholars" or arguments here, but if I get a minute I will add that in.