The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Volume 09: Vitellius by Suetonius

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About this eBook

Author Suetonius, 69?-122?
Editor Forester, Thomas
Translator Thomson, Alexander, M.D.
Title The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Volume 09: Vitellius
Note Reading ease score: 55.9 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Credits Produced by Tapio Riikonen and David Widger
Summary "The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Volume 09: Vitellius" by Suetonius is a historical account written in the early 2nd century, during the Roman Empire. This book provides a biographical glimpse into the life and reign of Aulus Vitellius, the Roman Emperor, detailing his origins, character, and the events that led to his rise and fall. It captures the intrigues, excesses, and brutalities characteristic of Roman imperial rule while reflecting on the broader context of power struggles during this tumultuous period in history. The work begins by exploring the ambiguous origins of the Vitellian family, detailing Vitellius's extravagance, gluttony, and moral depravity, which earned him notoriety among both peers and the populace. Suetonius provides anecdotes about his relationship with previous emperors, his rise to power after Galba's death, and how he ascended through the military ranks. However, despite strong initial favor from the troops and some notable attempts at governance, Vitellius's rule quickly descends into debauchery, cruelty, and public contempt. His eventual downfall comes at the hands of his enemies, leading to a graphic and humiliating execution, underlining the ephemeral nature of power in Ancient Rome. The narrative not only chronicles the life of an emperor but serves as a cautionary tale about the excesses of leadership and the volatility of political fortune. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class DG: History: General and Eastern Hemisphere: Italy, Vatican City, Malta
Subject Rome -- History -- Empire, 30 B.C.-284 A.D.
Subject Emperors -- Rome -- Biography -- Early works to 1800
Category Text
EBook-No. 6394
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Dec 29, 2020
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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