For instance, Julius Caesar loved the art of debate, particularly that of philosophy. Nero was a talented musician, often giving concerts that lasted for hours (Suetonius, p.117). These glimpses into the lives of the rulers gives them a human side, which tends to balance the unscrupulous deeds throughout the rest of the book. Suteonius treats the emperors harshly, spending much time documenting their brutality. In some cases, Suetonius provides a balanced account, highlights successes with failures, and misdeeds with kindness. In other cases, he is clearly against the leader, as with the case of Caligula. Surprisingly, Suetonius includes one account where he has nothing bad to say. Apparently, the short life of Titus was a fine example of humanity. If one were to form an opinion-based entirely on Suetonius, it would appear that he considered Julius Caesar to be the most successful of the Roman Emperors. He spends more time on Caesar than on any other ruler. His goes into more intimate depth of character with him as well and highlights what he did for the Empire. Nero would be the ultimate loser, as Suetonius has absolutely nothing good to say about him.

Hidden within Suetonius's descriptions, we learn about Roman myth and superstition. In many of the accounts, Suetonius provides a laundry list of omens that would foretell the fate of the ruler. This early form of foreshadowing allows the reader to explore the role that fate played in Roman...

The belief in pre-destiny comes out in Suetonius's descriptions and histories, particularly prophetic dreams right before an assassination.
The Roman leaders consult with oracles many times throughout the work, providing a glimpse into Roman theology and superstition. At the time of the writing, this practice would not have seemed strange. These practices were a part of daily life. Suetonius is more interested in the results of the oracle and what it foretold, than in the actual practice of consulting an oracle itself. Through this work, the reader discovers that superstition, myth, and religion play a significant role in Roman politics throughout the period covered.

Suetonius provides readers with insight that is not typically found in histories of the time. His account appears to be biased in some respects, presenting only favorable or unfavorable facts of the time. However, one must remember that his accounts are derived from rumor and gossip of the time. Therefore, they stand as a testimony of sociological dialogue of the time. This work provides the reader with a unique account of the history and the manner in which it affected people of the time.

Works Cited

C. Suetonius Tranquillus. The Lives of the Twelve Caesars. Loeb Classical Library. 1913. Online with original pagination preserved at http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Julius*.html. Accessed October 21, 2008