THE 12 CAESARS (eBook)

The Lives of the Roman Emperors

Suetonius (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2023
323 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654776463-2 (EAN)

Infos

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 Suetonius's 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. Suetonius's 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.

Autor

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, commonly known as Suetonius, was a Roman historian and biographer of considerable significance whose most acclaimed work, 'The 12 Caesars', provides a key primary source for the understanding of Roman imperial history. He lived during the early 2nd century AD, with his exact birth and death dates remaining somewhat obscure. Suetonius held a position within the Roman imperial administration during the reigns of Trajan and Hadrian, which allowed him access to the imperial archives, an advantage that he leveraged to write with authority on the lives of the emperors. 'The 12 Caesars', his magnum opus, vividly chronicles the lives, reigns, and personal habits of the first twelve Roman rulers, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. His narrative style is characterized by an anecdotal form that blends historical facts with gossip, securing his reputation for centuries not only as a historian but also as a purveyor of the more salacious aspects of imperial conduct. Suetonius's work has been an invaluable resource for historians as it provides unique insights into the personalities and administrations of these emperors, making it a cornerstone for the study of Roman history and the genre of biography in classical literature. His influence extends beyond history to literature and culture, with his detailed portraits fueling later literary and artistic representations of the Roman leaders.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 26.12.2023
• Übersetzer: J. C. Rolfe
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Biografien / Erfahrungsberichte
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Vor- und Frühgeschichte / Antike
• Themenwelt: Geschichte ► Allgemeine Geschichte ► Altertum / Antike
• Schlagworte: Alexander the Great • ancient historical accounts • Ancient Roman rulers • Ancient Rome • ancient Rome leadership • antiquity primary sources • Biographical narrative style • Caesar's reign • Classical literature • detailed historical research • De vita Caesarum • Edward Gibbon • First century Rome • Herodotus • historical anecdotes • Historical Leaders • imperial archives • Imperial biographies • imperial court • Imperial political intrigue • imperial Rome history • Julius Caesar • leadership in antiquity • livy • Mythos • Personal scandals of emperors • Plutarch • Power dynamics in Rome • Praetorian • Roman emperors biography • Roman historical biography • Roman History • Roman leadership • Roman Republic transformation • Roman Society • sapiens • SPQR • Suetonius classical works • Suetonius historical accounts • Tacitus