The Twelve Caesars: the story on HearLore

The Twelve Caesars

In 121 AD, Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus wrote a set of twelve biographies while serving as secretary to Emperor Hadrian. He dedicated the work to his friend Gaius Septicius Clarus, who held the title of praetorian prefect at that time. The political climate of Rome in the early second century shaped how Suetonius approached his subject matter. He wrote during a period when the Senate and emperor often clashed over power and authority. Suetonius lost access to official imperial archives shortly after beginning his research. This loss forced him to rely on hearsay and secondhand accounts for many details about earlier emperors. His position as a secretary gave him insider knowledge but also limited his ability to verify facts from state records. The work became an enduring primary source for scholars studying Roman history.

Biographical Methodology And Bias

Suetonius relied heavily on gossip and rumors rather than official documents when writing about the Caesars. Modern historians criticize the book for being racy and overly reliant on hearsay. He included subjective opinions within what appeared to be objective historical knowledge. At times he omitted important events without explanation. Although he never served as a senator himself, Suetonius took the side of the Senate in most conflicts with the princeps. This resulted in both conscious and unconscious biases throughout the text. He did not quote the emperor Claudius directly because he lacked access to official letters. Despite these flaws, scholars agree the collection provides valuable information on personal habits and physical appearance. The inclusion of minute details makes it unique among contemporary Roman histories. Some sources like Tacitus' Annals are now lost, making Suetonius the major source for certain emperors.

When did Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus write The Twelve Caesars?

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus wrote the twelve biographies in 121 AD while serving as secretary to Emperor Hadrian. He dedicated the work to his friend Gaius Septicius Clarus who held the title of praetorian prefect at that time.

Why do modern historians criticize Suetonius for writing about Roman emperors?

Modern historians criticize the book for being racy and overly reliant on hearsay rather than official documents. Suetonius included subjective opinions within what appeared to be objective historical knowledge and omitted important events without explanation.

What happened when Julius Caesar was captured by pirates in the Mediterranean Sea?

Julius Caesar insisted the ransom price of 50 talents was too low and ordered the pirates to raise it during his captivity. After release he raised an army alone, captured the pirates, and crucified them for their actions.

How many years did Vespasian rule before his death in 96 AD?

Vespasian ruled from 69 AD until his death in 79 AD after founding the Flavian dynasty and rebuilding infrastructure damaged during civil wars. His son Titus finished the Flavian Amphitheater known today as the Colosseum during this reign.

When was The Twelve Caesars written according to John Lydus' sixth-century book De magistratibus populi Romani?

John Lydus quoted the dedication to Septicius Clarus in his sixth-century book De magistratibus populi Romani allowing dating between 119 and 121 AD. The oldest surviving copy dates to Tours in the late eighth or early ninth century AD.

The Twelve Caesars

Biographical Methodology And Bias

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Common questions

When did Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus write The Twelve Caesars?

Why do modern historians criticize Suetonius for writing about Roman emperors?

What happened when Julius Caesar was captured by pirates in the Mediterranean Sea?

How many years did Vespasian rule before his death in 96 AD?

When was The Twelve Caesars written according to John Lydus' sixth-century book De magistratibus populi Romani?

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