What aspects of the German tribes' way of life does Tacitus admire? What aspects does he criticize?

The Roman orator and public official Publius Cornelius Tacitus was a historian who took it upon himself to not only record but critique other cultures outside of the Roman Empire during the first century.  His historical writing, Germania, gives his overall impression of the ways of the Germanic tribes, but his subtle wording suggests that while he admires some structured aspects of their culture, he is less impressed with their physical and behavioral natures.

Tacitus has much good to say of the Germanic government system.  He seems impressed that their kings’ powers are somewhat limited; they discuss important matters with the tribe rather than dictating, and they do not have the right to exact corporal punishments.  The people listen to their leaders out of respect and admiration, not out of fear of their power. Although the tribes have scheduled meetings, Tacitus makes the point that they will sit down to council “[w]hen the multitude think proper.”  He also spends much time explaining how young men of the tribe are guided to adulthood by men of rank, which provides honor not only for the youths but for the men, who acquire many followers.  Ultimately, Tacitus says, “such a man is courted by embassies… and the very prestige of his name often settles a war.” It makes sense that Tacitus would be impressed with these aspects of the Germanic government system, since they are in many ways similar to those of the Romans.  However, Tacitus also seems to admire the Germanic marriage philosophy, so different from that of the Romans, calling it a praiseworthy part of their manners.  The men are “content with one wife,” who plays a more active role in her husband’s life than does a Roman woman, even accompanying him to war so that she might tend his wounds. Tacitus finds it practical that both partners bring gifts to the marriage—practical gifts that can support their lives together.

Tacitus mentions several times that the Germanic tribes are racially “pure,” which seems a compliment, but he says this is because no other people would subject themselves to the violent lifestyle and “sullen manners and aspect” of the Germans.  Their manner of dress seems to almost offend the Roman historian, as he comments that their cloaks are handmade from “the skins of wild beasts” and often fastened merely by a thorn.  More so, he is appalled that the women dress much like the men, with their arms uncovered, exposing the lower part of their bosoms.  To a Roman, whose station in life is proclaimed by his manner of dress, the Germans’ clothing must seem crude indeed.  Tacitus also criticizes their idleness when not at war.  Even the best warriors simply eat and sleep, leaving the women and the elderly to run the household and land.  The lack of beautiful, organized cities is also odd to Tacitus, who points out that rather than creating community through public buildings, each family lives quite away from the others in “rude [dwellings] without ornament or attractiveness.” 

It seems that the overall lack of refinement and culture cinch the Roman historian’s view of Germanic tribes.  Although he finds honor in some of their ways, their lack of refinement is simply a huge cultural gap between the Germans and the Romans.