What does Suetonius say about Caesar?
While serving as quaestor in Hispania, Caesar once visited a statue of Alexander the Great. Upon viewing this statue, Suetonius reports that Caesar fell to his knees, weeping. When asked what was wrong, Caesar sighed, and said that by the time Alexander was his (Caesar’s) age, he had conquered the whole world.
Who translated The Twelve Caesars?
Robert Graves himself
Suetonius’s work describes the lives of Rome’s first 12 leaders from Julius Caesar to Domitian – hence it is best known today as The Twelve Caesars. This is the title it bears in the paperback Penguin Classics edition, translated by Robert Graves himself in 1957, and still in print today.
Why did Suetonius write The Twelve Caesars?
Suetonius wanted to portray the lives of the Roman Emperors up to Domitian, and was rather free in his characterizations of them.
Where did Suetonius get his information from?
Suetonius’ sources are authors like Cluvius Rufus, Pliny the Elder, and a collection of letters by the emperor Augustus. As far as we can see, he treats his subject matter more or less objectively. His biographies contain much gossip, but Suetonius does not ignore or misrepresent information from his sources.
Who is Suetonius in the Bible?
The Roman historian Suetonius (c. AD 69 – c. AD 122) mentions early Christians and may refer to Jesus Christ in his work Lives of the Twelve Caesars.
What did Suetonius write about Caligula?
Suetonius claims that Caligula was already cruel and vicious: he writes that when Tiberius brought Caligula to Capri, his purpose was to allow Caligula to live in order that he “prove the ruin of himself and of all men, and that he was rearing a viper for the Roman people and a Phaethon for the world.”
What is Suetonius known for?
Suetonius, in full Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, (born 69 CE, probably Rome [Italy]—died after 122), Roman biographer and antiquarian whose writings include De viris illustribus (“Concerning Illustrious Men”), a collection of short biographies of celebrated Roman literary figures, and De vita Caesarum (Lives of the …
When did Suetonius write his account of Caesar’s death?
On 15 March 44 BCE, the Roman dictator Julius Caesar was murdered. There are several accounts of this incident, but the most famous and probably most accurate is the one written by Caesar’s biographer Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (c. 70-c.
What did Suetonius say about Jesus?
The Roman historian Suetonius (c. AD 69 – c. AD 122) mentions early Christians and may refer to Jesus Christ in his work Lives of the Twelve Caesars. In this passage Suetonius describes Christianity as excessive religiosity (superstitio) as do his contemporaries, Tacitus and Pliny.
What is Suetonius famous for?
He is mainly remembered as the author of De Vita Caesarum—translated as The Life of the Caesars although a more common English title is The Lives of the Twelve Caesars or simply The Twelve Caesars—his only extant work except for the brief biographies and other fragments noted below.
Who was worse Nero or Caligula?
Nero was worse, because Caligula was — to put it succinctly — batshit crazy. Whereas Nero was sane and malignantly evil.
How did Suetonius describe Christians?
Where can I find additional information about Suetonius’ works?
Information in the index entries frequently extends that given by Suetonius in the text without however attributing sources. Wikipedia and other internet sites will provide good additional information for those seeking deeper knowledge. Book One: Julius Caesar (later deified) Book One: I Early Life
How reliable are the Twelve Caesars?
Though often questioned regarding its ultimate reliability as history, the Twelve Caesars provides an unforgettable portrait of Rome under the early Emperors, and of the Emperors themselves
Why does Suetonius write memoirs rather than history?
The plan adopted by Suetonius in his Lives of the Twelve Caesars, led him to be more diffuse on their personal conduct and habits than on public events. He writes Memoirs rather than History.
Who was Suetonius Tranquillus?
Revised and corrected by T.Forester, Esq., A.M. C. Suetonius Tranquillus was the son of a Roman knight who commanded a legion, on the side of Otho, at the battle which decided the fate of the empire in favour of Vitellius.
