"The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Volume 08: Otho" by Suetonius is a historical record that explores the short reign of Emperor Otho during a chaotic period in Roman history. The book tells the story of Otho's path to becoming emperor, starting with his noble family and wild early life, which then leads to him gaining favor with Emperor Nero and wanting power for himself. After Emperor Galba is killed, Otho grabs the throne, but quickly finds himself in a battle with Vitellius, who is also seeking power. Despite winning some battles at first, Otho's time as emperor is marked by military failures and bad signs. Knowing he will be defeated and wanting to avoid a civil war, Otho chooses to end his own life. Suetonius shows Otho as a complicated figure, a man who appeared weak but was extremely ambitious, whose tragic end brings about feelings of both dislike and respect.
The Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Volume 08: Otho
By Suetonius
Witness the rise and fall of a Roman emperor who, amidst political turmoil and personal ambition, chose a swift, decisive end over prolonged conflict.
Summary
About the AuthorGaius Suetonius Tranquillus, commonly referred to as Suetonius, was a Roman historian who wrote during the early Imperial era of the Roman Empire. His most important surviving work is De vita Caesarum, commonly known in English as The Twelve Caesars, a set of biographies of 12 successive Roman rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian. Other works by Suetonius concerned the daily life of Rome, politics, oratory, and the lives of famous writers, including poets, historians, and grammarians. A few of these books have partially survived, but many have been lost.
Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, commonly referred to as Suetonius, was a Roman historian who wrote during the early Imperial era of the Roman Empire. His most important surviving work is De vita Caesarum, commonly known in English as The Twelve Caesars, a set of biographies of 12 successive Roman rulers from Julius Caesar to Domitian. Other works by Suetonius concerned the daily life of Rome, politics, oratory, and the lives of famous writers, including poets, historians, and grammarians. A few of these books have partially survived, but many have been lost.
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