The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Volume 03: Tiberius   By: Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus (75-160)

In this third volume of "The Lives of the Twelve Caesars" by Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, the focus is on the controversial Roman emperor Tiberius. Suetonius provides a detailed and comprehensive account of Tiberius's life, from his early years as a military commander to his tumultuous reign as emperor.

The author does a good job of painting a complex portrait of Tiberius, showing both his strengths and his flaws. While Tiberius was known for his military prowess and administrative skills, he was also criticized for his paranoia and cruelty. Suetonius explores these contradictions in depth, offering insights into Tiberius's personality and motivations.

One of the strengths of this book is Suetonius's attention to detail. He provides a wealth of information about Tiberius's reign, including his relationships with his family, his political decisions, and his interactions with the Roman Senate. Readers will come away with a nuanced understanding of Tiberius and the political climate of ancient Rome during his rule.

Overall, "The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Volume 03: Tiberius" is a well-written and engaging biography that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Rome's most enigmatic emperors. Suetonius's thorough research and vivid storytelling make this a must-read for anyone interested in Roman history.

First Page:

I. The patrician family of the Claudii (for there was a plebeian family of the same name, no way inferior to the other either in power or dignity) came originally from Regilli, a town of the Sabines. They removed thence to Rome soon after the building of the city, with a great body of their dependants, under Titus Tatius, who reigned jointly with Romulus in the kingdom; or, perhaps, what is related upon better authority, under Atta Claudius, the head of the family, who was admitted by the senate into the patrician order six years after the expulsion of the Tarquins. They likewise received from the state, lands beyond the Anio for their followers, and a burying place for themselves near the capitol [284]. After this period, in process of time, the family had the honour of twenty eight consulships, five dictatorships, seven censorships, seven triumphs, and two ovations... Continue reading book >>