Tacitus tells us in the introduction to his Annals that his intention is to "tell a little about Augustus, Tiberius, et cetera" and to do so in fact "sine ira et studio" - - without bitterness or bias1. Experience teaches us, however, that this objective is rarely achieved, and that we must be even more wary when it is stated openly. Throughout the Annals, Tacitus instead gives the impression that his lack of bias is evidenced by his impartial application of bitterness toward all his subjects. But is this really the case? Although Tacitus tends to apply his sarcastic wit universally – to barbarians and Romans alike – this does not necessarily prove a lack of bias. Taking the destruction of Mona and Boudicca's revolt (ca. 14.28-37) as a case study, it is evident that through epic allusions, deliberate diction, and careful choice of episodes recounted, Tacitus reveals his view that the Roman war machine first makes rebels into unjust governance, then punishes them. From the start of 2:30 p.m., in the description of the battle of Mona, Tacitus underlines the “non-Roman” character of the Druids, in particular their tradition of human sacrifices and the behavior of their women: “in modum Furiarum veste feri, crinibus deiectis. »2 However, before this, he begins a subtle campaign of Virgilian allusions, belying his unappealing descriptions of the Druids. The opposing battle line is described as "densa armis virisk", an expression which can only recall Virgil's "arma virumque cano", the first verse of the Aeneid3. Later in 30, he uses the Virgilian expressions “preces...fundentes”. " and "adolere aras", referring to the superstitious and barbaric religious practices of the enemy but reminiscent of the Trojans and Aen supplicants respectively... middle of paper ...... for seemingly sympathetic or admirable depictions of history Roman. enemies, but in this case it's easy. By using all the mechanisms mentioned, Tacitus seems instead to want to remind his readers of the very humanity of Rome's enemies, identifying them with an earlier view of Rome itself and emphasizing how dishonorable acts on the part of the Romans can lead to unnecessary bloodshed and carnage. The Romans turned the Iceni into rebels, pushing them into war (in Tacitus's phrase), and then were forced to put down the rebellion which was essentially of their own creation. In the Annals, Tacitus gently reminds us that recognizing common humanity, even among barbarians, can avoid war and lead to a more humane and honorable way of life. Works Cited Tacitus. The Annals of Tacitus. Edited and annotated by Henry Furneaux. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1907.