Final answer:
Tacitus criticized the social conditions of his time by highlighting the virtues of the Germanic tribes and questioning historical moral and political lessons, thereby contrasting Germanic honor with Roman societal decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tacitus, a renowned Roman historian, used his writings as a medium to critique the social conditions of his era. He expressed criticism particularly by describing the virtues of the Germanic tribes in his work Germania, implicitly contrasting these 'barbarian' virtues with what he perceived as the decadence of Roman society. Additionally, Tacitus criticized his contemporary social conditions by questioning the moral and political lessons of history in his other works, including his Annals and Histories.
His grievances extended to a variety of societal aspects, from the perceived moral decay highlighted by the Roman obsession with gladiatorial fights and chariot races to the controversial expansion of Roman citizenship and senatorial privileges to Gauls, which he details in his Annals. By juxtaposing the honorable characteristics of the Germanic tribes with the luxurious and extravagant lifestyles favoured by many Romans, Tacitus implies a decline in traditional Roman virtues.
Moreover, Tacitus does not shy away from presenting adverse opinions on leadership, exemplified by his negative depiction of Emperor Tiberius. Despite acknowledging the complexity of Roman societal views and mentioning Germans who achieved prominence in Rome, as well as the influence Rome had as a model of civilization, Tacitus's writings predominantly express a nostalgic and critical view of his own society.