SUETONIUS

''Twenty-three dagger thrusts went home as he stood there. Caesar did not utter a sound...''.This vivid, racy account of the men who wielded absolute power over ancient Rome - including maniacs, tyrants, warriors, sadists and murderers - is the source for nearly everything we know about one of the most dramatic periods in history.Ten new titles in the colourful, small-format, portable new Pocket Penguins series.

The Twelve Ceasars of Suetonius, covering the Roman rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian, remains one of the richest and most fascinating of all Latin histories. Suetonius gathered much of his information from eyewitnesses, checking his facts carefully and quoting conflicting evidence without bias. But his history is also the most vivid and raciest account we have of scandalous and amusing incidents in the domestic lives of the first Ceasars.

Written by the great Roman historian Suetonius in the year 121, "The Twelve Caesars" is an extremely important historical document and one of the main sources of knowledge about Roman history. In this magnificent work, which covers the period from the rise to the fall of the Roman Empire, we get to know the intimacy of the life of each of the twelve Caesars: their ancestors, their military campaigns, the events that led them to power and death, as well as the character and personality of each of them. Beyond historical facts, Suetonius managed to portray the human character of the 12 Caesars in an environment characterized by unlimited power, violence, and the debauchery and luxury of the emperors in ancient Rome. It is an exceptional work that deserves to be read.

Please note: This audiobook has been created using AI voice.Suetonius was a Roman historian born in about 69 AD, shortly after the death of the emperor Nero. This book, detailing the lives of the twelve Roman emperors who were known as Caesarsome by a family connection to Julius Caesar, some just as a titleis considered to be Suetonius most important work.The Lives of the Caesars is a detailed account of the often dramatic lives of these emperors, whose abilities and morals varied enormously; from the capable, stable Augustus, to the insane Caligula. Several of these men died violently either by their own hand or by assassins. Suetonius, though, is careful to give credit where it is due, outlining the better actions and laws of each alongside an account of the crimes and immoralities they also carried out.This turbulent period of Roman history has often been depicted in fiction and in media, drawing on the work of Suetonius and other contemporary historians. For example, Robert Graves novel I, Claudius (1934), which was made into a highlycontroversial television series by the BBC in 1976.

Suetonius most important surviving work is known as the De Vita Caesarum, a set of twelve biographies of the successive Roman rulers. The emperor Neros reign is one weird tale of sexual depravity and extravagant sadism. He was a gifted musician, and is said to have given great concerts of which attendance was compulsory; women were said to have given birth during the performance, and men were driven to fake death to escape. Nero kicked his pregnant wife to death and then had a young boy castrated to replace her as his spouse; then, during the great fire of Rome, he is said to have played the lyre to emphasize the beauty of the destruction. His eccentricities are a continuation of the tradition of his predecessors, only more perverted; Suetonius account portray a strange man in strange times.

Suetonius most important surviving work is known as the De Vita Caesarum, a set of twelve biographies of the successive Roman rulers. The emperor Caligula was one of the strangest and cruelest rulers that ever lived, and most of what is known about his reign comes from Suetonius. The first six months of his reign appear to have been moderate and successful; but after that, he fell into a spiral of sadism, sexual perversity, and plain insanity that made him one of the most hated tyrants of all time. His biography gathers many extravagant anecdotes, from naming his horse consul to calling people to his palace in the middle of the night just to play a strange game of fright with them. He was eventually assassinated, but not before many strange omens predicted the event, according to Suetonius.

SuetoniusAo "The 12 Caesars" offers a captivating exploration of the lives and reigns of the first twelve emperors of Rome, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. Written in a succinct and engaging prose style, Suetonius employs a biographical approach that interweaves anecdotes, political intrigue, and personal vices, illuminating the complexity of power dynamics in ancient Rome. His narrative is marked by an undeniable wit, reflecting the literary context of the early second century AD, where historical narrative sought to entertain as well as inform. The work serves not only as a political history but also as a keen psychological study of its subjects, revealing the interplay between personal character and imperial power. Suetonius, an accomplished Roman biographer and historian, lived during a time when the Roman Empire was transitioning into its imperial phase. His proximity to the imperial court and his role under Emperor Hadrian likely provided him with unique insights into the lives of these rulers. SuetoniusAo extensive research, combined with his keen observational skills, resulted in a nuanced portrayal of each emperorAos contributions and failings. I highly recommend "The 12 Caesars" to anyone interested in Roman history, political biography, or the intricacies of human nature under power. It offers not only invaluable historical insights but also serves as a timeless reminder of the fragility of authority and the complexities of leadership.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.

In The Twelve Caesars, Suetonius, a Roman biographer and historian, meticulously chronicles the lives and reigns of the first twelve emperors of Rome, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. Through a unique blend of anecdotal narrative and factual history, Suetonius employs a vivid literary style characterized by rich detail and an engaging tone, revealing not only the political machinations of these rulers but also the personal traits that defined them. The work is framed within the context of the early Roman Empire, providing valuable insights into the socio-political atmosphere of the time and addressing themes such as power, ambition, and human frailty, making it a pivotal source for understanding the complexities of imperial governance and personal character in ancient Rome. Suetonius, born circa 69 AD, was deeply entrenched in the milieu of Roman politics and literature, gaining firsthand experience through his work in the imperial administration and as a contemporary of the emperors he depicts. His access to a wide array of sources, including state documents and rumors circulating in Roman society, enabled him to present a multifaceted portrait of each Caesar. This biography not only reflects Suetoniuss fascination with the powerful but also reveals the societal fascination with celebrity culture, drawing parallels to the intersection of personal life and public duty. Recommended for historians, classicists, and general readers alike, The Twelve Caesars offers a compelling exploration of power and personality that resonates through the ages. Suetoniuss insightful anecdotes and unflinching examination of imperial figures provide a riveting glimpse into the human psyche behind rule, making this work an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of imperial Rome and its enduring legacy.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.- The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader erasocial currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different works strengths.- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the authors overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.- Lastly, our handpicked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collections central themes.

This eBook edition of "The Twelve Caesars" has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. The Twelve Caesars is a set of twelve biographies of Julius Caesar and the first 11 emperors of the Roman Empire written by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus. The book provides valuable information on the heritage, personal habits, physical appearance, lives, and political careers of the first Roman emperors as it mentions details which other sources do not. As with many of his contemporaries, Suetonius took omens seriously and carefully includes reports of omens portending Imperial births, accessions, and deaths. The Twelve Caesars was considered very significant in antiquity and remains a primary source on Roman history. The book discusses the significant and critical period of the Principate from the end of the Republic to the reign of Domitian.