The Lives of the Twelve Caesars
Scandalous biographies of Rome's first twelve emperors, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. Suetonius reveals the intimate details of imperial power, virtue, and depravity.
Listen on SWOO.About this book
The Lives of the Twelve Caesars (also known as De Vita Caesarum) is Suetonius' famous biographical work covering the Roman emperors from Julius Caesar through Domitian. Written around 121 AD, it remains our most detailed source for the early Roman Empire.
Suetonius was a Roman historian who had access to imperial archives and eyewitness accounts. His biographies blend political history with personal anecdotes, revealing both the public achievements and private scandals of Rome's rulers.
The book includes memorable portraits: Caesar's ambition, Augustus' political genius, Caligula's madness, Claudius' unexpected competence, and Nero's artistic pretensions and cruelty. Suetonius doesn't shy away from gossip, making this one of the most entertaining works of ancient history.
