About this book
Suetonius was a Roman scholar who worked for a time in the imperial administration. His Twelve Caesars presents the lives of Julius Caesar and the eleven emperors who followed him, from Augustus through Nero to Domitian.
Rather than telling a strict chronological history, Suetonius organises each life by themes: family background, career, public works, appearance, habits, vices and death. The result is a series of vivid and often scandalous portraits, mixing solid information with rumour and anecdote, which shaped how later generations imagined the Roman emperors. Because the lives follow a similar pattern, it is easy to compare one ruler with another and to see how power changed those who held it.
Many translations and editions of this work exist; we suggest choosing a modern translation with notes, maps and an introduction, which makes a real difference for first-time readers. Readers should treat the juicier stories with some caution, which is part of the fun. For a modern overview of Rome, try SPQR.
Who it’s for
Highly readable for a classical text and ideal for readers who enjoy biography; short chapters make it easy to dip into.
Editions vary by publisher and format. Check the retailer’s listing for the edition, translation and format before you buy.