Sine ira et studio: rethoric, time and truth in Tacitus’ historiography

Abstract

This paper aims to present the importance of a set of rhetorical rules to the production ofRoman historiography. Therefore, it is analyzed the incorporation of memory as an oratordisposition in the Rhetoric to Herennius treatise, as well as the most important work of theRoman historian Tacitus, The Annals. Our purpose is to debate both the adequacy of historyto rhetorical precepts of the Imperial epoch and the historiographical consequences of thecontemporary diagnosis of the moral decadence of Roman society. It is argued that one of thegreatest challenges imposed to Tacitus was the project of writing an impartial and true historyusing testimonial texts corrupted by fear and adulation.