Pronunciation: [tˈasɪtəs] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Tacitus" is pronounced /təˈsaɪtəs/. The first syllable "ta" is spelled with a short "a" sound (as in "cat"), followed by the consonant combination "c+i" which creates a soft "ch" sound (as in "cheese"). The second syllable "ti" is spelled with a short "i" sound (as in "hit"), while the last syllable "us" is pronounced with a short "u" sound (as in "bus"). Together, it is pronounced "tuh-SITE-us".
Tacitus was a prominent Roman historian and senator who lived in the first century AD. He is best known for his written works documenting the history and politics of the Roman Empire. Tacitus is considered one of the greatest historians of ancient Rome and his works continue to be studied and admired today.
The term "Tacitus" can refer to two main components. Firstly, it signifies the historical figure Gaius Cornelius Tacitus, who was born around AD 56 and died after AD 116. Tacitus held various political positions in the Roman government and gained recognition as an orator and writer. He is primarily remembered for his major surviving works, "Annals" and "Histories," which provide valuable insights into the Roman Empire's political, social, and military history.
Secondly, "Tacitus" can also refer to the body of work created by Gaius Cornelius Tacitus. His writings are characterized by a concise and elegant style, crucial attention to detail, and deep analysis of the personalities and motives of historical figures. Tacitus' works, often described as historical narratives or chronicles, explore themes of power, corruption, and morality within the Roman Empire. These texts have had a significant influence on historical scholarship and continue to be studied by academics, providing a crucial source of information on ancient Rome.
The word "Tacitus" is a Latin proper name, derived from the Latin adjective "tacitus" which means "silent" or "untouched". This name originated from the past participle of the Latin verb "tacere", meaning "to be silent" or "to keep quiet".
