Imperial Rome, during the first century AD, was expanding its borders by adding new territories. They expanded into northern Europe and Britain and conquered or attempted to conquer various types of people. Thanks to my reading of Tacitus's L'Agricola and La Germania, I have knowledge of the life and customs of the Bretons, subject of the Agricola, and of the Germans, subject of the Germania. This is of course the observation and perspective of the Romans, and especially Tacitus, on these groups of people. The customs of the Bretons differed from those of the Romans. Britain was the largest of the islands known to the Romans, who considered the British barbarians. The physical characteristics of the Bretons varied, suggesting that they mixed with the different peoples around them, for example the Gauls. With whom they shared a common language and religious beliefs. Tacitus talks about the army and fighting style of the British. The British strength lies in their infantry and their weakness lies in their lack of cooperation. They fight as separate states instead of uniting against a common enemy, and are therefore usually conquered. The Romans believed that Britain was worth conquering because it yielded gold, silver and other metals and pearls from the seas. The British were quite submissive after being conquered, in the sense that they obeyed the new rulers. Despite everything, they feared slavery and still fought to prevent it. Unlike the Romans, the British did not view women as inferior, but rather allowed them to hold very high ranks and positions in society, government, and the military. The British did not know how to appreciate peace because they were used to fighting. . The Romans therefore enlightened them on this...... middle of paper ......r authority. The Germans have very strict marriage laws and they generally make do with one wife. The dowry is given to the woman by her husband, contrary to the usual way. The wife also gives a gift to her husband, and the exchange of gifts symbolizes their bond. Adultery was rare in Gemania and if caught, a woman was punished by her husband. The Germans were inactive when not in war. The Germans never lived in cities but rather in open spaces, not in buildings like the Romans. The Romans are very hospitable to their guests and treat them very well. Germans generally wear a coat and brooch, not togas. They also wear animal skins. Germans like to throw parties for various occasions, including marriage and decisions regarding war. They drink alcohol and eat wild fruits, fresh game and sour milk. The German method of slavery and funerals are also different from those of the Romans..