Sima Qian And Tacitus Similarities

Ancient historians hold significant power when deciding how to depict their history. Years later when scholars look upon these writings as a primary source, the power of opinion must be taken into consideration. One cannot assume that all historians will present a completely unbiased depiction of their times. What is curious is how historians are able to carry similarities in their portraits of a nation when they had no relation at all in time or culuture. This phenomenon in present in Tacitus’ Germania and Sima Qian’s Account of the Xiongnu. The former a senator and historian of the early Roman Empire, and the latter the “father of Chinese historiography” during the Han dynasty. Although there are obvious differences in style, these two historians
Tacitus does not avoid making some connections between Germany and his home state of Rome. It is clear that like Rome, Germany values their arms. The bestowing of arms to the youth as a symbol of honor is the German equivalent of the Roman’s giving their sons togas (Germania 4). Through this segment Tacitus does momentarily take a step back from argument it is within the nature of barbarians to be significantly different from where the homeland. With this similarity does come one major polarity that is important to note. Tacitus highlights that lack of proactivity that exists within German military tactic. He describes time of peace as being used for “idleness, giving themselves up to sleep and to feasting, the bravest and the most warlike doing nothing” (Germania 5). This is where Tacitus finds his Roman home state to be superior to this barbaric tactic. He recognizes the need to plan ahead for times of conflict rather than to be caught off guard. Sima Qian also notices this feature of the Xiongnu, how during “times of peace they enjoy themselves and have nothing to do” (Xiongnu 16). The neighboring state starts to be associated with laziness through these descriptions during times of peace, which could not be said for these historians’ home states. The custom Tacitus does highlight, however, is that in those times of conflict, very little is off limits for the Germans. This is where the accounts of the two historians once again parallel each other. There is a definite respect for the power that these neighboring clans hold and their military prowess. Sima Qian speaks of the devastating defeats those who encountered the Xiongnu faced; entire infantries were wiped out and cavalries were exterminated (Xiongnu 32-33). Tacitus’ account of wartime practices of the Germans also carries this same level or regard, emphasizing that being