Imperial Rome, during the 1st 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. Based on my reading of Tacitus's Agricola and Germania, I have knowledge of the life and customs of the Britons, subjects of the Agricola, and the Germans, subjects of Germania. This of course is the observation and view of these groups of people by the Romans, and more specifically by Tacitus. The customs of the Britons 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 Britons 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 British army and fighting style. The British's strength is in their infantry, while their weakness lies in their lack of cooperation. They fight as separate states instead of uniting as one against a common enemy, and thus are usually conquered. The Romans thought Britain was worth conquering because it produces gold, silver and other metals and pearls in the seas. The Britons were quite submissive after the conquest, as they obeyed the new leaders. Even so, they feared slavery and always fought to prevent it. Unlike the Romans, the Britons did not consider women inferior, but instead 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. So the Romans enlightened them in that…half of the paper…authority. Germans have a very strict marriage law and were usually happy with one wife. The dowry is given to the wife by the husband, unlike usual. The wife also gives her husband a gift and the exchange of gifts symbolizes their bond. Adultery was rare in Germany and if it was discovered the wife was punished by her husband. The Germans were inactive when not in wartime. The German people 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 usually wear a cape and brooch, not a toga. They also wear animal skins. Germans like to throw parties on various occasions, including weddings and decisions regarding war. They drink liquor and eat wild fruits, fresh game and curdled milk. The German method of slavery and funerals is also different from the Roman one.