C Suetonius Tranquillus

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, also known as Suetonius, was a Roman author who is best known for his biographies of the first 12 Caesars. Although being a biographer of others, Suetonius gives his readers relatively little information about his own life. Suetonius' actual birthdate is unknown, it is generally accepted that he was born between 69 and 75 CE. His birthplace (perhaps either Umbria or Hippo Regius in Numidia) and the year of his passing are also unknown. Since he was closely connected...See more

Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, also known as Suetonius, was a Roman author who is best known for his biographies of the first 12 Caesars. Although being a biographer of others, Suetonius gives his readers relatively little information about his own life. Suetonius' actual birthdate is unknown, it is generally accepted that he was born between 69 and 75 CE. His birthplace (perhaps either Umbria or Hippo Regius in Numidia) and the year of his passing are also unknown. Since he was closely connected with the imperial court, he had access to otherwise private details, and he did not hold back when it came to disclosing some of Rome's most scandalous events. The writer's father, Suetonius Laetus, was a knight-a member of the equestrian class-and served as tribune of the 13th legion during the 69 CE civil war. He also commanded that unit at the Battle of Bedriacum in northern Italy. Suetonius' grandfather may have been a member of Caligula's court. In his later years, Suetonius served as the director of the imperial libraries and subsequently as Hadrian's private secretary. However, he was fired from this position, again for unclear reasons. See less