Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus
What’s inside
《The Twelve Caesars》, written by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, is a significant historical work that provides detailed biographies of the first twelve emperors of the Roman Empire, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. Suetonius, a Roman historian and official, combines historical facts with personal anecdotes and character assessments, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the decadence, power struggles, and personal lives of these leaders. His narrative not only explores the political and military achievements of the Caesars but also delves into their private lives, vices, and eccentricities, providing a comprehensive picture of their reigns and the era in which they lived.
You’ll Learn
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the early Roman Empire and its rulers
- Explore the intertwining of personal vice and public virtue in leadership
- Understand the impact of individual Caesars on Roman history and culture
- Appreciate the complexity of historical narratives and their sources
Key Points
- Introduction to the political landscape of ancient Rome
- Julius Caesar: The foundation of an empire
- The Augustan Age and the reign of Augustus
- Tiberius and the complexities of succession
- The madness of Caligula
- Nero’s reign and the Great Fire of Rome
- The Flavian Dynasty and the stabilization of the Empire
Who’s it For
- History enthusiasts
- Readers interested in ancient Rome
- Students of classical studies
- Fans of political and power dynamics
About the author
Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, known as Suetonius, was a Roman historian and official born in the equestrian order. He served under Emperor Hadrian and is most famous for his work ‘The Twelve Caesars’. His writings provide a crucial insight into the lives of the Roman emperors and their times, blending historical fact with intriguing personal details.