# Suetonius

## Biography

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, a distinguished Roman biographer and antiquarian, was born around 69 CE and lived until after 122 CE. Hailing from an equestrian family, he received a Roman education and developed a close friendship with Pliny the Younger. Suetonius embarked on a career in imperial service, holding significant positions under Emperors Trajan and Hadrian, including controller of Roman libraries and an adviser on cultural affairs. He eventually faced dismissal, reportedly due to a breach of propriety concerning the emperor's wife.

His most renowned work is "De vita Caesarum," commonly known as "Lives of the Caesars," which provides vivid, often scandalous, accounts of Julius Caesar and the first eleven Roman emperors. These biographies offer a unique glimpse into the public and private lives of these rulers, influencing historical understanding of the era. Suetonius also penned "De viris illustribus," a collection of biographies on celebrated Roman literary figures. His writing style emphasized personal characteristics and anecdotes, presenting a relatively objective perspective that served as a model for subsequent biographers.

## Books

- [The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Complete](https://samolit.com/books/96032)