The Twelve Caesars

Suetonius' scandalous classic is reborn for the 21st century in a brilliant new translation by James Coverley.

The Roman Empire was the ultimate stage - a world where emperors had to perform, seduce, and dominate. To rule as a Caesar was to command history itself. And no ancient chronicler brings us closer to these men than Suetonius, whose scandalous, incisive biographies reveal the triumphs and vices of Rome's most infamous leaders.

Written at the heart of imperial power, The Twelve Caesars strips away the myth to expose the emperors as they truly were: brilliant, brutal, and utterly human. From political blunders to bedroom escapades, from battlefield follies to private obsessions, Suetonius paints an unforgettable portrait of power unchecked. His work remains the most revealing and entertaining account of Rome's rulers ever written.

This fresh, modern translation breathes new life into Suetonius' gripping biographies. Rendered directly from the Latin, Coverley's edition combines scholarly fidelity with sharp, contemporary style — making Suetonius accessible, engaging, and essential for a new generation.

This edition includes:

A new critical introduction

A comprehensive glossary of Roman terms and names

Over 700 fully linked endnotes for seamless navigation

Whether you're a student of history, a lover of Latin literature, or a newcomer to ancient Rome, this is the definitive digital edition of The Twelve Caesars, and it is brilliant, brutal, and alarmingly modern.