THE 12 CAESARS (eBook)

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, commonly known as Suetonius, was a Roman historian and biographer of considerable significance whose most acclaimed work, 'The 12 Caesars', provides a key primary source for the understanding of Roman imperial history. He lived during the early 2nd century AD, with his exact birth and death dates remaining somewhat obscure. Suetonius held a position within the Roman imperial administration during the reigns of Trajan and Hadrian, which allowed him access to the imperial archives, an advantage that he leveraged to write with authority on the lives of the emperors. 'The 12 Caesars', his magnum opus, vividly chronicles the lives, reigns, and personal habits of the first twelve Roman rulers, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. His narrative style is characterized by an anecdotal form that blends historical facts with gossip, securing his reputation for centuries not only as a historian but also as a purveyor of the more salacious aspects of imperial conduct. Suetonius's work has been an invaluable resource for historians as it provides unique insights into the personalities and administrations of these emperors, making it a cornerstone for the study of Roman history and the genre of biography in classical literature. His influence extends beyond history to literature and culture, with his detailed portraits fueling later literary and artistic representations of the Roman leaders.