The Twelve Caesars

Author: Suetonius
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The Lives of the Caesars focuses on figures at the center of history, but Suetonius rarely records major historical events. For instance, his account of Caesar's Gallic Wars is brief and passing; the defeat of Varus is only mentioned indirectly. It seems he deliberately collected what official histories omitted—such as the daily political activities and private lives of emperors, many of which are filled with odd anecdotes, akin to secret histories. Indeed, there are scandals and lewdness. However, it is unfair to criticize him for enjoying and peddling such material. This actually reflects the prevailing interest in the personal lives of distinguished individuals during that time.