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Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (69/70 AD - After 130 AD) or known as Suetonius was a prominent Roman historian. He was the son of Suetonius Laetus who probably came from Hippo Regius (Annaba, Algeria). Laetus was a knight who served as a regular colonel and took part in the Battle of Betriacum against the Emperor Otho and future Emperor Vitellius in 69AD.

Suetonius was a close friend to Senator and Historian Pliny the Younger. Pliny describes his nature as quiet and studious, a man dedicated to writing. Pliny assisted him to buy a small property in Italy and through him influenced the Emperor Trajan to grant Suetonius immunities usually granted to a father of three to be granted to him. Suetonius never married or had any children. Through Pliny, Suetonius became in favor with Trajan and Hadrian.

Suetonius served on Pliny’s staff when Pliny was Proconsul of Bithynia Pontus (northern Asia Minor) between 110-112AD. Under Trajan he served a secretary-ship of studies (precise functions are uncertain) and director of Imperial libraries. Under Hadrian, he became his imperial secretary.

In 122AD, Hadrian dismissed him for disrespectful behaviour towards Empress Vibia Sabina. Suetonius later on, became in favor with Hadrian and returned to his position, due to various reform changes.

He is remembered as the author ‘The Twelve Caesars’ which was written in 121AD, under Hadrian. This is the only book that has survived from Suetonius’ writings. The Twelve Caesars is a biography of the Roman Empire's first leaders who were: Julius Caesar (the first few chapters are missing), Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian, Titus and Domitian. The book was dedicated to a friend Gaius Septicius Clarus, a prefect of the Praetorian Guard in 119AD.

The book was considered very significant from antiquity and has been a main source on Roman written history. Along with Tacitus the book discusses a significant and critical period in Roman and World History.

Suetonius used the imperial archives to research eye-witness accounts, information and to quote evidence to produce the book. He also quotes from Gaius Asinius Pollio, Cremutius Cordus and Acts of Augustus.

Although this book is very racy, gossipy, dramatic and sometimes amusing, this source provides valuable information on the heritage, personal habits/lives and political careers of the first Roman Emperors. This source mentions details that other sources do not mention. For example, this is the main source on the lives of Caligula; his uncle Claudius and the only source that states the heritage of Vespasian. There are times he expresses his opinion or knowledge.

The legacy of this book has been model for Einhard’s Charlemagne in the ninth century, a source for Plutarch’s Lives of the Illustrious Romans in the fourteen century and the inspiration Robert Grave’s Novel I Claudius which has became a popular novel and television series.

Suetonius made one reference to "Chrestus", which may refer to "Christ". See Suetonius on Jesus.

Other works

• De Illustribus Grammaticis ("Lives Of The Grammarians")
• De Claris Rhetoribus ("Lives Of The Rhetoricians")
• De Viribus Illustris
• Lives Of The Poets
• Lives of Famous Whores
• Royal Biographies
• Roman Master & Customs
• The Roman Year
• Roman Dress
• Greek Games
• Office of State
• Cicero’s Republic
• The Physical Defects of Mankind
• Methods of Reckoning Time
• An Essay on Nature
• Greek Terms of Abuse
• Grammatical Problems
• Critical Signs Used in Books

External links

• The Lives of the Twelve Caesars at LacusCurtius (Latin original, English translation)
• Works by Suetonius at Project Gutenberg
  • The Lives of the Twelve Caesars at Project Gutenberg (English translation - includes Lives Of The Grammarians, Rhetoricians, And Poets)
• Suetonius and the reign of Tiberius: a comparison with other sources
• Suetonius' Twelve Caesars at RomansOnline.Com
• Suetonius' Twelve Caesars at Roman Literature Online

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