The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Volume 02: Augustus   By: Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (75-160)

This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the early Roman Emperors, particularly Augustus. Suetonius Tranquillus provides readers with detailed information about Augustus's rise to power, his reign as Emperor, and his legacy in Roman history. The author's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring these historical figures to life, allowing us to see them as complex individuals with their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Roman history and the lives of the Caesars.

First Page:

I. That the family of the Octavii was of the first distinction in Velitrae [106], is rendered evident by many circumstances. For in the most frequented part of the town, there was, not long since, a street named the Octavian; and an altar was to be seen, consecrated to one Octavius, who being chosen general in a war with some neighbouring people, the enemy making a sudden attack, while he was sacrificing to Mars, he immediately snatched the entrails of the victim from off the fire, and offered them half raw upon the altar; after which, marching out to battle, he returned victorious. This incident gave rise to a law, by which it was enacted, that in all future times the entrails should be offered to Mars in the same manner; and the rest of the victim be carried to the Octavii... Continue reading book >>