"The Lives of the Twelve Caesars" (De vita Caesarum) is the main work of Roman historian Suetonius, written during his tenure as secretary of Emperor Hadrian. It is a collection of biographies of Julius Caesar and the first 11 Roman princeps, from Augustus to Domitian. This work is one of the most important works of antiquity. It is written in simple language, and each biography of Emperors is written in a certain pattern. For example, Suetonius description always starts on the origin of of the each ruler, the early years of his life, his social activities, then proceeds to personal qualities of the emperor. Each biography completes the story about the circumstances of the death of the emperor. Also in description of each emperor, he necessarily indicates shortcomings of the ruler, and the omens or predictions about the reign of the Emperor.
Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus was Roman writer, historian, scholar and lexicographer, private secretary to the Emperor Hadrian. Other works by Suetonius have preserved only in fragments. Instead of the usual genre transfers of military campaigns and government reforms of Emperors Suetonius has collected anecdotes from the life of the rulers, describing their appearance, habits, details of his personal life. Most of conventional wisdom motifs and themes related to the Roman emperors has originated from "The Twelve Caesars" (Caligula's horse, actor's exercises of Nero, Vespasian word "money does not smell", the words of Titus' "friends, I lost a day" etc). Suetonius has written deliberately in simple and dry language, but in spite of this, he was very popular in Latin literature: his collected information is often quoted, and his descriptions of emperors often imitated. So let’s analyze the description of each Caesar.
Divine Julius (Julius Caesar) from gens Julia has claimed himself a descent from the goddess Venus. Since childhood, Caesar has displayed firmness of their beliefs by refusing to divorce his wife by order of Lucius Cornelius Sulla. From his youth, after the siege of Mytilene he has distinguished for his bravery in battle and leadership talent. At the same period was circulated the rumor that he has had a homosexual intercourse with king Nicomedes. However, this rumor was spread mainly by his opponents such as Bibulus, Cato and Cicero. Suetonius describes an episode during Caesar's Quaestorship in Spain he saw a statue of Alexander the Great and sighed - at his age Alexander has ruled the world. Among the shortcomings of Caesar the author mentions his profligacy, and debts that once could even nearly prevent his appointment to the province, but his was sponsored by his friend Marcus Licinius Crassus. During the term of office of aedile he has arranged such holidays and such entertainment for the Romans, and such a variety of races and fights that everybody has talked about these. However, he strongly has interfered with opiates and they have decided to stop him to get a good province. However, Caesar has done the impossible by creating the first triumvirate and has reconciled old enemies: Marcus Licinius Crassus and Gnaeus Pompey and with their help he has achieved favorable decisions. During the Consulate he has treated strictly with opiates, once even Caesar has ordered to send Cato in prison. The author writes that Caesar was constantly looking for military glory, and fortune always has accompanied him. The soldiers were very loyal to him, and were braver, because they have loved their leader. Soldiers have liked him because he always treated them well, paid them, went to battle with them, and were in the campaigns with them. During the war in Gaul, he has conquered many tribes, won a victory in Germany over the Rhine, raised legion in Transalpine Gaul. Caesar also has built a costly forum and improved the state and tidied laws. Suetonius writes that Cicero believed that Caesar was best orator of the time. The author also writes that Caesar was the lover of many noble women of that time, making it clear that the rumors of Caesar are likely fiction. Caesar was not superstitious, and although there were many omens of a plot against him, he has walked even without bodyguards, with the result that he was killed.
Emperor Augustus was from the Octavii family. This family was ancient and has been known since the time of King Tarquin. Also, the Emperor Augustus was a relative of the Divine Julius through Julia (Atia was the niece of Gaius Julius Caesar). From his youth was a very prudent and courageous politician - evidence of that was his actions after the announcement of the death of Caesar. Suetonius cites as example of his wisdom the creation of triumvirate between Augustus, Lepidus and Mark Antony. August was cruel to the conspirators against Caesar, for example the head of Brutus, he has ordered to throw at the feet of the statue of Caesar. Triumvirate he has quickly turned into a duumvirate disposing of Lepidus using tricks, but left him alive. He has ordered to kill the Caesarion and the eldest son Mark Antony to avoid future struggles for power. Unlike Caesar he has not declared war without the important and legitimate reasons. His authority was so great that Parthia without war gave to him Armenia and returned the banners of legions of Marcus Crassus. However, he has suffered two defeats in Germania - the defeat of Varus and Lollius, which have become for him a heavy blow. Augustus has begun a war only being sure that if he wins more than he lost in case of defeat. Augustus has built a huge number of public buildings in Rome. Suetonius writes that Augustus was very humble and did not like luxury, and was a loyal friend, even though he has had a few of friends. The author also focuses on the fact that during his reign were consistently favorable omens.
Tiberius was descended from a patrician Claudian family - old but ambiguous family. Tiberius military career was quite successful. He has also spent several years in exile in Rhodes. However, he lived in exile knowing that his time will come - because was predicted that he would become Emperor. During a severe war in Illyria he has showed unprecedented tenacity. Was very clever politician and initially led a cautious policy without revealing their intentions. By the gods treated poorly, and only believed in fate. At first, he was extremely modest. However, everything has changed after the death of his sons. Author writes that after moving to the island of Capri Tiberius has started drinking and debauchery. He was also involved in extortion of nobles, and has led some of them to suicide. Eventually began to hold daily executions and torture.
According to Suetonius Caligula was extremely strong and beautiful. Caligula was the son of the famous general Germanicus. The author describes how Caligula was very patient citing his patience during the bullying and testing from Tiberius. However, Caligula was extremely fierce and vicious. He has liked to be present at the torture on the island of Capri and to look at the execution. There were even rumors that he killed Tiberius, Caligula hasn't denied these rumors. During his reign, he was generous and arranged distribution of money for people and gladiator fights. The author cites the example of his sacrilege - Caligula has ordered to bring the statues from the Greek temples and even the statue of Zeus from Olympia and cut off their heads, replacing them with his own. He also wanted to be worshiped as a god, and from the temple of Castor and Pollux he has made a hallway of his palace. As proof of his cruelty Suetonius has mentioned that Caligula had given the order to murder his brother Tiberius. He has also executed a lot of senators, and others were forced to run for his chariot. Caligula was also extremely vicious - his mistresses were his own sisters. The author writes that the Caligula all could turn into madness, and cites the example of his desire to make in all the legions the decimation. Therefore the death of Caligula from conspiracy was only a matter of time.
Claudius was descended from a good family, but grew up without a father and mother has called him stupid and ugly. Suetonius indicates that even in youth Claudius was a gambler and a drunkard. His nephew Caligula was constantly mocked him during his reign. During the murder of Caligula, he had no idea that he will become the emperor, and ran in front of a soldier on his knees when the soldier has found him. However, after he has strengthened his power he ordered to execute of the main conspirators. Suetonius describes him as humble and cites the fact that he declined the honors. He hasn't begun campaigns, the only except was campaign against the Britons but he hasn't participated in it at all. However, Suetonius pays tribute to him and says that he has done a lot for the city, such as the construction of the aqueduct. However, as the author writes, he took the decision not himself, but under the influence of his wife and freedmen. As well as Tiberius and Caligula before him he has fond of executions of people, especially animal baiting. Suetonius describes him as a coward and a distrustful person who has walked around with the guards and strongly encouraged denunciations.
Nero was descended from an ancient family of Domitius Ahenobarbus. At birth, the omens were bad enough that even his father said that the other did not expect from her marriage to Agrippina. As a child, Nero has performed in the circus. The author writes that he has had the evil character since childhood - for example, he has sued the aunt. After coming to power, to win the love of the crowd he has given the money to the people and pretorians. During his reign the gladiator fights and horse races have also differed by variety. Suetonius also notes that Nero hasn't conducted wars, and even wanted to withdraw its troops from Britain. Since childhood, he has loved singing, and after coming to power, has begun to sing in Naples. Suetonius describes the case as he went straight to from bath to the amphitheater made there a feast and began to sing. Nero also has acted with the tragedies in Rome and has had immense passion for the races. Nero has also liked to have fun at night - he has changed clothes and together with the protection of thugs has beaten and robbed people in the taverns. His debauchery has grown every day and come to the point that he went in marriage to his freedman and raped Vestal. Nero has also spent according to Suetonius more than anyone else - he has built a huge palace, so big that it had the hall with statue of Nero which height was 130 feet. He also poisoned Britannic and ordered to kill his mother and then executed all of his relatives. The apotheosis of Nero's crimes was the order to set fire to Rome, and while Rome burned, he admired the view from the tower of Maecenas. At first, Nero hasn't paid attention to revolt in Gaul. However, when he learned about the approaching legions he killed himself.
After Nero Galba has become the emperor. Galba was descended from a noble family, but unlike previous emperors was not related to Julii family. According to legend Augustus has pinched little Galba saying that one day he will become the emperor. After the death of his wife Galba refused to re-marry. Being the commander of German Legion, he has immediately brought under control the troops and raised the discipline. Suetonius writes that Galba was agreed to lead the revolt against Nero when he learned about the order to execute him. Upon arrival in Rome, he has decided to confirm those rumors about his ferocity and avarice by the executing of some people without trial. He has also sought the generous gifts of Nero, leaving only a tenth. Thus, in a short time he was able to alienate everyone, including the Praetorian Guard. Suetonius indicates that the signs of his reign were bad from the start, so he was killed in a conspiracy.
Otho was not as noble as the previous emperors, but his family was ancient. Suetonius writes that he was so big spender in his youth that his father has flogged him. From the predictions of an astrologer, he has known that he will survive Nero's reign and will become emperor. Thus, after receiving a bribe for the appointment on one of the posts he has paid pretorians and began to prepare the plot. However, after the death of Galba he has learned about that the legions in the provinces had pledged allegiance to Vitellius and marched on Rome. Otho has invited him to rule together, but Vitellius refused. The omens were not good for Otho - saint shields were removed from the temple. However, Suetonius writes that according to the recollections of his father Otho has hated strife, and the soldiers loved him. In the end, after the defeat in the key battle Otho stabbed himself with a sword.
Suetonius writes that about the nobility of Vitellius were disputes, but it is known that when his parents found out about the horoscope of their son they were horrified, and his father tried his best to prevent his appointment to the province. The author notes that Vitellius was able to adapt and had a good relationship with Tiberius, Claudius, Nero and Caligula, and Galba has appointed him to the Lower Germania. There he has gained the sympathy of the soldiers because he has easily communicated with them. The omens were good for the campaign, but for his rule were bad. The first thing that he has done after coming to power, he has disbanded the praetorian cohort, announced consulate himself for life, and appointed the officials for ten years ahead. Suetonius also writes that he was cruel and a glutton, arranging a day for 3-4 banquet and ate delicacies that were brought for him from different parts of the Empire. It was pleasure for him to punish and execute. As a result, after seven months of his reign broke out a revolt: against him have rebelled legions in the provinces under the direction of Vespasian. Initially Vitellius has agreed to maintain his life in exchange for a waiver of continuing the war, but he has changed his mind and attacked the people of Vespasian. In the end, he was killed in disgrace, and his body thrown into the Tiber.
Vespasian was a commoner from the Flavian family. He was brave legate and has won two strong German tribes, and captured more than 20 towns. He also notes that he has quickly restored order in the rebellious Judah. Suetonius writes that even at his birth were favorable omens, as well as throughout life. One of these omens was a statue of Julius Caesar that has turned to east. According to the author, the most interesting thing is that the troops that first have sworn allegiance to him had never served under him, and chose him as the most worthy person. During his reign, he has restored capital and cleared the city from wreckage. He has also built the Temple of Peace. As to its merits Suetonius relates the completion of the Senate by worthy Italics. Vespasian himself was modest, not ashamed of his origin and has ridiculed flatterers. Not avenged never tell anyone for the wrongs. Hiss only drawback was the love of money - he has often bought things only then to resell at a profit. However, he was not mean, and was generous to all classes. The author also notes his good sense of humor.
Titus was successor of his father with the same name Vespasian. Physiognomist has predicted in childhood that he would be emperor. Titus was beautiful and powerful and was good at warfare and the arts. Suetonius writes that Titus has excellent served in the legions in Britannia and Germania. He was several times consul with his father and has helped him to control the empire. Feasts during his reign were hilarious, but not wasteful. Suetonius also notes that Titus was extremely kind and attentive to the common people. The author writes that Titus has punished only scammers and instigators. Titus has died at age 42 in the same villa as his father.
Domitian was the younger son of Emperor Vespasian. Suetonius writes that he was quite tricky and cites the example of how he survived thanks to the tricks during a fire at the Capitol that occurred during the war with Vitellius. Beginning with his praetorship it has become visible how arbitrary he will rule. During the rules of his father he has pretended modest man and a lover of poetry to his father treated him better. Suetonius notes that at first Domitian has killed only flies, but eventually has begun to mock over people. His first murder was the execution of famous pantomime. Thereafter he has executed many of the senators and consuls. Suetonius also wrote that before the execution of a victim he was kind to person so he or she hasn't suspect anything. As a result, Domitian was killed by a conspiracy of friends and freedmen.
Thus, after the analyzing of the twelve biographies can be concluded that description in biographies were written from a template. Also, it can be concluded that to some emperors author has treated better than others. For example, the favorites were by Gaius Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Vespasian. This is evident in big the description of the periods of their rule and that he admiringly writes about them. And to some he treated worse it were: Nero, Caligula and Domitian. It should be also noted that the author is quite objectively describes the emperors in the biographies, and for some of them, he was a contemporary. Thus, summarizing all the mentioned above we can say that The Lives of the Twelve Caesars is a comprehensive and objective collection of biographies of Roman emperors.
Works Cited
Appian. Roman History. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2011.
Dio, Cassius. Dio's Roman History: With An English Translation. Charleston: Nabu Press, 2012.
Josephus. Jews, Antiquities of the. Seattle: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013.
Suetonius. The Twelve Caesars. London: Penguin Classics, 2007.
