The Lives of the Twelve Caesars

The Lives of the Twelve Caesars is a biographical work by the Roman historian Suetonius. It is a collection of twelve biographies of the Roman emperors from Julius Caesar to Domitian covering the period from 49 BC to AD 96. The book is divided into chapters with each chapter focusing on the life and reign of one of the twelve emperors. Suetonius was a secretary and adviser to the emperor Hadrian and had access to imperial archives and other official documents which allowed him to provide a detailed and often scandalous account of the lives of the emperors. He draws on a wide range of sources including official records letters and eyewitness accounts as well as gossip and rumors. The Lives of the Twelve Caesars covers a wide range of topics including the emperors personal lives military campaigns administrative policies and cultural achievements. Suetonius also provides insights into the emperors personalities habits and quirks as well as their vices and weaknesses. The book is notable for its candid and often salacious details about the private lives of the emperors including their sexual exploits eccentricities and acts of cruelty. Despite its focus on scandalous details The Lives of the Twelve Caesars is also an important historical source for scholars providing a wealth of information about the Roman Empire during a crucial period of its history. The book has been influential in shaping our understanding of Roman history and has inspired numerous works of literature art and film.