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Suetonius

The Twelve Caesars

The Twelve Caesars, written by the Roman historian Suetonius in the early second century AD, is a captivating and scandalous account of the lives of the first twelve Roman emperors, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. The work is divided into twelve biographies, each detailing the rise to power, reign, and eventual death of each emperor. Suetonius, who had access to the imperial archives and other primary sources, provides a wealth of information about the personal lives of the Caesars, including their physical appearances, habits, and eccentricities. One of the most striking features of The Twelve Caesars is its juicy gossip and salacious anecdotes, which have fascinated readers for centuries. Suetonius does not shy away from describing the emperors' sexual escapades, cruelty, and other vices, often in vivid and explicit detail. For example, he relates how Caligula made his horse a consul, how Nero murdered his mother and wife, and how Domitian was assassinated in his own palace. Despite its sensationalistic tone, The Twelve Caesars is also a valuable historical source that offers unique insights into the political, social, and cultural history of ancient Rome. Suetonius provides detailed descriptions of the emperors' policies, military campaigns, and public works, as well as their relationships with the Senate, the army, and the people. He also explores the themes of heredity, adoption, and usurpation, which were central to the political dynamics of the Roman Empire. The Twelve Caesars has had a lasting impact on Western literature and culture, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and scholarship. Its vivid portraits of the Caesars have become archetypes of political power, ambition, and corruption, and its stories and anecdotes have become part of the collective memory of the Western world. In conclusion, The Twelve Caesars is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient Rome, biography, or the nature of political power. Its engaging style, colorful anecdotes, and historical insights make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate and inform readers today...