Agricola’s moderatio in Tacitus
The article deals with the use of the specific concept of moderatio by Tacitus, mainly with reference to Gnaeus Julius Agricole, the writer’s farther-in-law. The content of this concept in Tacitus is associated with his world view, reflecting the attitude towards the Principate in the senatorial environment of the 1st century of the Empire. Comparing Agricola with the representatives of the so-called «stoic opposition», Tacit develops the theme of the possibility of worthily serving the state and generally saving face even under «bad rulers». It is significant that Tacitus not only glorifies the «moderation» of Agricola, but also censures the arrogance and rigorism of the oppositionists. However, it is no less symptomatic that while in captivity of the admiration for stoicism and old Roman virtues, widespread in the Roman elite, the writer tries to reconcile his own concept of moderatio and his admiration for mos maiorum.