The Twelve Caesars: Suetonius (Penguin Classics)

Fascinating history of the Roman emporers

Suetonius' Twelve Caesars is a key narrative source for the period it covers and, unlike Tacitus, it has survived entire and is uninterrupted. Beginning with Caesar himself, in the mid first century BC, it ends in AD 96 with Domitian and covers the reigns of such emperors as Tiberius, Caligula, and Nero. Organised according to each of these twelve emperors' lives, it contains more or less self-contained if unequal chapters (long reigns are given more space). Thus the story progresses from the civil wars that surrounded Caesar's rise to power, the establishment of the principate under Augustus, and on to the more debauched reigns of their descendents in the early first century AD. It closes with the establishment of a new dynasty, the Flavians, represented by Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian. The introduction appositely remarks that Suetonius was following, in this work, the classical format of eulogy or biography, rather than history, according to classical forms. As a result, each reign is organised topically, beginning with ancestry, going on to civic achievements, then military campaigns, then the given emperor's vices or crimes, and the manner of his death complete with warnings and omens. This means that a reader completely unacquainted with the period may find the overarching story hard to follow, and it is best to be armed with basic knowledge of it. At the same time, firstly, Suetonius does follow a loose chronological progression within each topic he addresses and within each life, and secondly his writing is really clear and easy to follow. Suetonius as historian was impressive, moreover: in addition to testimonies and oral sources, he examined written sources including letters written by the protagonists, e.g. Augustus, and official Roman records, e.g. the treasury's. This is exceptional, indeed to my knowledge unprecedented, for a classical writer. Though sometimes his sources appear to fail him, this is rare and his account is authoritative. Twelve Caesars, in addition to being easy to read, is an essential source on the early Roman Empire.

Although interesting, most of these biographies are almost entirely bereft of anything ennobling to the human spirit. But as studies of lust, greed, cruelty, cowardice and insanity they have few equals. The first vernacular translation of 1381 was French, and it is no surprise that Gilles de Rais, during his trial in 1440, cited the influence of Suetonius. This translation is by Robert Graves, author of 'I, Claudius' and 'Claudius the God'. Anyone who has read those books will already be familiar with many of Suetonius' anecdotes and descriptions of personal vice and virtue attributable to the emperors Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula and Claudius. Reading the novels first is advantageous as Suetonius assumes his contemporary Roman readers are versed in history and Roman culture. The series continues up to Domitian and with the exception of Augustus and Vespasian the emperors are all painted as more or less vile characters. Although the format of each biography is roughly the same, the section on virtue is invariably shorter than the section on vice. Perhaps Suetonius, writing during the reign of Hadrian, the third of the Five Good Emperors, was intent on penning malicious slander against previous dynasties. More likely it illustrates the truth behind Acton's famous observation that "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." Graves' translation has been altered, reinserting Latin words instead of 1930s English equivalents for a more authentic read. A glossary of terms is supplied together with genealogical charts and maps. The introduction by J.B Rives contains the following essays: Suetonius' Life and Works The Twelve Caesars The Influence of Suetonius Reading Suetonius

Alot of the history of Romes Caesars taught today is based on Suetonius' accounts, this book pulls no punches in its storys of 12 men who held absolute power over much of the civilised world. Its telling of Augustus' rule ( in my opinion Romes greatest Caesar) is fascinating, it is of course very pleasing to have a contemporery account of imperial Rome and suetonius gives us a rich source of information, his writings include many anecdotes which are both funny and crude, so its not to everyones taste, however we are hard pressed, i think, to find a better volume on the 12 caesars of Rome. A right riveting read. The Twelve Caesars (Penguin Classics)

Brilliant book - often referred to by the historians when presenting factual histories of Rome. The book is a multi purpose in as much as the reader can 'dip into' individual Ceasars to glean specific information, but read the book as a whole in sequence to get the feel of what was going on in Rome. I am reading this book again for the second time in 3 months and I find that each time I read it I discover a new fact that I had glossed over previously. I would recommend this book for all people interested in this period of history. I would also suggest that the reader does not skip the numbered notes (they increase your comprehension of the text if read as you encounter them). I am reading alongside Ceasar's 'The Conquest of Gaul'. I intend to read about The Laws of Rome next

I read this many, many years ago and found it fascinating. My original copy fell apart and I recently bought a replacement and have been rereading it. The stories of the twelve caesars reveal the full range of strengths and weaknesses of mankind in a time that could often be brutal and are still as interesting today as when I first read the book. Adult themes throughout and bloody violence from time to time.

I enjoyed this book but was puzzled by some of the translations. There are many verses in the book and they all rhyme. A verse written in one language, in this case Latin, should not still rhyme when translated into another language but in all the cases here they do. It makes me wonder about the translation as a whole.

Robert Graves translation keeps the story alive and although originally written two thousand years ago there is still a message for those in power today.

Suetonius' Twelve Caesars belongs on the short list of books designed to bring active minds closer to the founding principles of Conservatism (along with Voltaire's Candide on the error of Utopian socialism and Orwell's Animal Farm: Anniversary Edition on the nature of political extremism. Suetonius wrote a gossipy, superstitious series of biographical sketches of the first twelve Roman Emperors that continues to fascinate to this day. Suetonius dishes the dirt on Rome's first twelve Emperors from Julius Caesar to Domitian. He informs us of the personal lives of the Emperors and the portents that seemed to predict their usually grisly deaths. The 19th century English historian, Lord Acton, once wrote, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men." Suetonius, living 1,900 years ago around the zenith of the Roman Empire, would surely have agreed. Suetonius was the private secretary to the Emperor Hadrian. His intimate portrayals of the Roman emperors demonstrate the corrupting influence of power. The Roman Emperors had absolute power over the lives of their subjects; they were also, with good reason, terrified of assassination. Their savage example provides the classic rationale for the necessity of limited central government. They were also the chief inspiration for Mussolini's fascist state. When master storytellers such as George Lucas and George R.R. Martin go looking for plot-lines it is to colorful histories like the Twelve Caesars that they turn. Star Wars' Galactic Federation devolves from Republic to Empire much like the Roman Republic. Game of Thrones has no more lust for power and erotic content than Suetonius' biographical sketches. Christopher Kelly is the author of America Invades: How We've Invaded or been Militarily Involved with almost Every Country on Earth and Italy Invades

A well versed a/c on life style of twelve emperors (Caesars) of Roman empire; be it accession; vice-virtue; superstition-omen; cruelty... etc; stated with needed citations and glossary of the then province. A further understanding on this regard can be elicited thru Ancient Rome written by Simon Baker. Go for it. Thanks to Amazon!

The book itself seems good but the font size and text formatting is horrible - no way to read relaxed. Since font is super small your eyes become exhausted quickly. Gonna return no way to read till the end

There were dents and a tear on the book cover

Suetonius walks us through, the personal lives of twelve Roman Emperors. The history Suetonius describes, is not a listing of accomplishments and historical feats. This is a history of the Caesars day to day peronal experiences. In fact, this is normally the type of information I avoid. Our modern society, provides us with a constant overload of celebrity gossip and scandals. In most cases, I could care less. Yet Suetonius manages to; almost bring people from two thousands years ago, back to life. We sometimes forget, that these historical figures; walked, talked, and had the same human follies, that we have. This is the attraction of the book, realizing just human these people really were. The chapters on Nero and Caligula, can at times be difficult to get digest. We have all heard, at least a few stories regarding their sick behaviour. Well Suetonius provides, a rather long list of inhuman murders and debauchery. The lessons regarding absolute power, become obvious to the reader. Suetonius also outlines, all the silly superstitions that the Romans observed and practiced. The modern reader will have a few chuckles, at all the good and bad omens listed throughout the book. I believe most readers, will enjoy reading this book.