Description
Drawing on imperial archives and eyewitness accounts gathered during his time as private secretary to Emperor Hadrian, Suetonius crafted one of history's most vivid biographical works. This masterpiece chronicles the public triumphs and private scandals of Rome's twelve most powerful rulers, from Julius Caesar's founding of the empire through Augustus's consolidation of power, to Nero's descent into tyranny and the restoration of stability under his successors. Through sharp observation, colorful anecdotes, and meticulous physical detail, Suetonius reveals these absolute rulers as remarkably human figures—ambitious, flawed, and often contradictory. The result is an enduring portrait of power, corruption, and the personalities who shaped one of history's greatest civilizations. Essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Roman Empire through the eyes of those who lived in its shadow.
Available Editions
paperback
Penguin Classics
Published Dec 18, 2007
464 pages
ISBN: 9780140455168
paperback
Penguin
Published Dec 31, 2002
388 pages
ISBN: 9780140449211
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Details
First Published
2002
Language
eng
Translation
Original: De vita Caesarum
From: lat
Content Warnings
Content and trigger warnings for The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius.