First transcribed: c. 120

Type of work: Biography

Time of work: c. 86 B.C.-A.D. 96

Locale: The Roman world

Key Figures of the Roman Empire

Julius Caesar (Caius Julius Caesar), c. 102-44 B.C.

Augustus (Caius Octavius), 63 B.C.-A.D. 14

Tiberius (Tiberius Claudius Nero), 42 B.C.-A.D. 37

Gaius Caligula (Caius Caesar Germanicus), 12-41

Claudius (Tiberius Claudius Drusus), 10 B.C.-A.D. 54

Nero (Nero Claudius Caesar), 37-68

Galba (Servius Sulpicius Galba), 3 B.C.-A.D. 69

Otho (Marcus Salvius Otho), 32-69

Vitellius (Aulus Vitellius), 15-69

Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasiasnus), 9-79

Titus (Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus), 41-81

Domitian (Titus Flavius Domitianus), 51-96

Reflections on Suetonius' Writings

Suetonius crafted vivid portraits of the Caesars, bringing these larger-than-life figures down to human scale, despite their divine titles. His narratives, peppered with lively anecdotes and scandalous details, paint a picture of rulers in all their complexity, from triumphs to downfalls, and virtues to vices. The tales of violence and debauchery within his works often eclipse Hollywood's wildest imaginings of ancient Rome.

The Life of Julius Caesar

The account of Julius Caesar's life is missing its beginning, starting instead at his sixteenth year, yet it remains otherwise complete. Suetonius focuses more on Caesar's personal life and relationships than on his monumental historical moments. These narrative choices offer a more intimate look at the man behind the monumental events that traditional histories capture with cool detachment.

Caesar's Rise and Fall

After losing his father, Julius married Cornelia, the daughter of consul Cinna, which drew the ire of the dictator Sulla and forced Caesar into hiding. His friends' pleas eventually secured his pardon, although Sulla ominously warned that Caesar would "one day deal the death blow to the cause of the aristocracy." Caesar’s career blossomed through political maneuverings and military campaigns, including a stint in Asia and a notable episode where he was kidnapped by pirates, only to later capture and punish them following his release.

Political Maneuvers and Military Triumphs

As a military tribune, Caesar's reputation as an eloquent orator grew, particularly after he began his political ascent in Rome, charging Cornelius Dolabella with extortion. His personal life saw upheavals too, with divorces and suspicions of infidelity shaping his domestic affairs. Caesar's popularity soared among the masses, bolstered by grand public spectacles and his election as pontifex maximus, despite his controversial defense of Catiline.

The Dictator's Legacy

In 60 B.C., as consul, Caesar allied with Gnaeus Pompeius and Marcus Crassus, bolstering his hold over the Senate. Suetonius chronicles Caesar's strategic moves to consolidate power, ultimately leading to civil war as a resolution to political discord. After his decisive victory, Caesar celebrated with public festivities, reformed several systems including the calendar, and his authoritarian rule culminated in his assassination by once-trusted allies on the Ides of March.

Personal Traits of Julius Caesar

Suetonius delves deep into Caesar's personal characteristics, describing him as "tall of stature," "keen black eyes," and meticulous in personal grooming. The biography doesn't shy away from controversies surrounding his personal life, including rumors of intimacy with King Nicomedes, which Suetonius discusses with both detail and disdain. Caesar's charm extended beyond politics; he was skilled in war, seduced many women including Cleopatra, and maintained a reputation for mercy, even in execution of pirates.

The Reign of Augustus

Inheriting power from Julius, Augustus, originally Caius Octavius, fought alongside Antony and Lepidus to secure his position as emperor. The Senate later awarded him the title "Augustus" to honor his accomplishments. However, his path to power was marred by acts that provoked widespread detestation, including the brutal treatment of Quintus Gallius...