Suetonius

Definition

Suetonius was a Roman historian and biographer who lived during the early second century AD, known for his work 'De Vita Caesarum' (The Twelve Caesars), which provides biographies of the first twelve emperors of Rome. His writings are pivotal in understanding the development of Roman biography and offer a unique glimpse into the lives of prominent historical figures, connecting the ancient world with later interpretations of biography and portraiture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Suetonius was not only a historian but also served as a secretary to Emperor Hadrian, which gave him access to important information about the imperial court.
2. His work 'De Vita Caesarum' is notable for its blend of biographical detail with anecdotes, gossip, and moral lessons about the emperors, making it both informative and entertaining.
3. Suetonius' writing style reflects the characteristics of early Roman biography, balancing narrative storytelling with factual data about the subjects.
4. He had a significant impact on later historians and biographers, influencing how individuals were portrayed in literature throughout history.
5. Suetonius' accounts, while invaluable, are sometimes criticized for their reliability due to his reliance on rumor and anecdote, highlighting the challenges in assessing historical sources.

Review Questions

• How did Suetonius contribute to the development of Roman biography during his time?
  • Suetonius significantly advanced Roman biography by merging detailed narratives with anecdotes and moral lessons. His approach in 'De Vita Caesarum' set a standard for biographical writing that focused on personal traits and notable events in the lives of emperors. This blend not only provided insights into historical figures but also engaged readers with entertaining storytelling.
• Discuss the reliability of Suetonius' accounts and how they compare to other primary sources from his era.
  • Suetonius' accounts are often considered valuable yet problematic regarding reliability. While he provides rich details about the lives of emperors, his use of gossip and anecdotal evidence raises questions about accuracy. Compared to other primary sources from his era, such as inscriptions or contemporary historians, Suetonius' work can sometimes lack corroborative evidence, making it essential to critically evaluate his writings within the broader historical context.
• Evaluate Suetonius' legacy on later historical writing and how his approach to biography influenced subsequent generations.
  • Suetonius' legacy is profound in shaping how biographies were written in later periods. His combination of engaging storytelling with detailed personal insights established a template for biographers that persisted through the Renaissance and beyond. This influence is evident in how subsequent historians adopted similar narrative techniques while also striving for factual accuracy, reflecting a shift towards more systematic approaches in biographical literature.

Related terms

Biographical Genre: A literary category that focuses on the detailed accounts of individuals' lives, often emphasizing personal experiences, character, and achievements.

Historia Augusta: A collection of biographies of Roman emperors and usurpers written in the late 4th century, influenced by earlier works like Suetonius' biographies.

Primary Sources: Original documents or firsthand accounts from a specific time period, which serve as crucial evidence for historical research.