Gaius Suetonius

Josiah Osgood (Georgetown University)
Download PDF Add to Bookshelf Report an Error

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (c. 70–c. 130 CE or after) was a prolific scholar of high imperial Rome most famous for his

Lives of the Caesars

(

De vita Caesarum

), a biographical account of the first Roman emperors as well as Julius Caesar. A landmark in the development of biography, the work is also a major source for modern understanding of Rome’s transition from republican to monarchical rule and of Roman culture.

A Scholar at the Imperial Court

A Scholar at the Imperial Court

Suetonius came from a wealthy family, perhaps of North Africa. His father, Suetonius Laetus, served as a military officer in 69 CE under Otho, one of the four men vying for power after the death of emperor Nero the year before. Years later, a similar post was offered to Suetonius himself (c. 102 CE), through the

2204 words

Citation: Osgood, Josiah. "Gaius Suetonius". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 25 April 2014 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=4282, accessed 09 October 2024.]

4282 Gaius Suetonius 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.