Suetonius Biography

History has been written in many different forms throughout the past. Some historians choose to write based on empirical evidence, while others choose to write it as a timeline. Suetonius chose to write about figures in history by using the method of biographies. Suetonius was able to access information that others were not able to access, and this was possible due to his position as the private secretary to the Emperor Hadrian. In his biographies, his goal was to be as detailed as possible so that the events in the book seemed real. Through the imperial archives that he had acquired from his position as secretary he was able to gain this information to make his work precise. He also used eyewitness accounts, which gave a perspective of the
He makes it very obvious that he believes that childhood is important in the very first line of Julius’ biography. He says, “He lost his father at the age of 15” (Suetonius 1). Even though he doesn’t jump right into talking about why this is important, he makes it the first line of the biography. He goes on to show that these types of catastrophes happening at a young age have a lasting effect on everyone throughout their lives. He believes that events that shape a person’s childhood really do have an effect on how the rest of their lives will go. This effects how they interact with others as well as the way that they will lead their people. Family connections are important as well. When Suetonius speaks of Divus Augustus he states, “He was certainly born rich enough to achieve office without having to engage in such practices, and he proved a capable administrator” (Suetonius 44). This not only enforces the idea that childhood is important, but it also shows that family connections have a huge importance as well. Even though Augustus did practice the things he needed to be in office, it really was not necessary. Based off of his family connections he would have been able to be in office regardless of his ability. Also a very key component in his writing a biography would be their social standing with others. Obviously, it is important to be liked by others. Suetonius is able to highlight whether or not the people were liked, and even goes on to describe why people felt the way that they felt about them. Caesar was aware of the fact that it was important to be liked by the people. Suetonius shows this by saying, “After thus securing the goodwill of the people, Caesar worked through the tribunes to be put in charge of Egypt by popular vote (Suetonius 5). By Caesar pleasing the people he feels that he has gained the respect of everyone, thus allowing him to extend his power. Wealth was also