Source edition
Suetonius. De Vita Caesarum Libri VIII. Ihm, Max, editor; Leipzig: Teubner, 1908.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This biographical work depicts the life, reign, and complex personality of Claudius, the fourth emperor of the Roman Empire. It begins with his sickly youth, the intense contempt he faced from his family, and his long period of isolation under preceding emperors, leading up to his unexpected elevation to the throne following the assassination of Gaius. As emperor, Claudius achieved significant milestones, including active involvement in judicial affairs, the conquest of Britain, and major public works; however, the narrative also exposes his erratic behavior and how his government was dominated by his wives and freedmen. The work further details his multi-faceted character, showcasing his extreme cowardice and cruelty alongside his scholarly passion for history and Greek studies. Finally, his turbulent life comes to a close with his tragic poisoning by his wife Agrippina, accompanied by various ill omens surrounding his death.