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 work is a historical biography detailing the life of Vitellius, who ascended to the Roman imperial throne during the turbulent "Year of the Four Emperors." The narrative begins with the conflicting origins of the Vitellius family, describing the careers of his relatives—particularly his father Lucius—and Vitellius's own youth and rapid rise under three previous emperors. Appointed governor of Lower Germany by Galba despite his extreme poverty, he is welcomed by the legions there and soon acclaimed as emperor. His subsequent reign is characterized by debauchery modeled after Nero, the excessive favoritism shown to his henchmen, his notorious gluttony symbolized by the massive dish named "the Shield of Minerva," and his cruel executions of former associates. However, his rule quickly crumbles as the eastern and Danubian legions revolt. Failing in his attempt to abdicate and then to flee from the approaching forces, Vitellius is ultimately captured, subjected to public humiliation, and meets a miserable and violent end.